Le Boat on the Caledonian Canal for 7 Days Part 1 from Laggan Locks to Fort Augusta staircase locks

The Boating part of our Big Adventure. Seven days on a boat doing the Caledonian Canal. Great check in procedure, interesting Locks (Sluices) and a first night on a Transit Pontoon.

[@gzaq]

started laughing uncontrollably when you said "wesome" :) :) :)

[@michaelchartres]

I like making people laugh, it is good for you. Thanks for watching Cheers Michael

[@AR-hq3yf]

Another great video, you definitely need a cap when at the helm. What an amazing trip. Looking forward to the next installment. Happy boating both of you.

[@michaelchartres]

Thanks for your comment. The cap I had when at sea at the age of 16 doesn't fit any longer so I left it at home LOL Cheers Michael

[@Andystrainsandmore]

The skipper is back. Great tour and some places I visited years ago. 😊Cheers Andy 🤠

[@michaelchartres]

Yes and I really enjoyed it. Cheers Andy, thanks for watching. Regards Michael

[@Calvertfilm]

That looks exciting. Enjoy your trip.

[@michaelchartres]

Thanks, we did enjoy it. Very much. Cheers Michael

[@ericwatkins2554]

Great video Michael and loved the bathroom humour at the end. All being well we shall be visiting Upper Leven near St Andrews in our caravan next year for two weeks and then up to Fort William for a week. Can't wait!!!!!!

[@michaelchartres]

Thanks Eric. If you haven't been before I am sure you will enjoy it. Regards Michael

[@ericwatkins2554]

Hi Michael. We visited Upper Largo near St Andrews in June this year as my son moved nearby. We had a fabulous time there and can't wait to go back and stay a while near him then explore a bit further afield. We are planning on trip on the Jacobite Express, a trip on the Loch and a cable car ride up Ben Nevis and possibly a boat trip on Loch Ness.

[@trainsontuesday]

Messing about on boats. It's what you do best Michael. From the expression on your face I could tell that you were in your element. Mandy looks to be a well qualified crew member. A wet but wonderful start to a fabulous adventure. Looking forward to part two. David.

[@michaelchartres]

Messing about on boats is what I love David and Mandy did her job well. The rain didn't spoil the time and we did get some really good weather days, regards Michael

[@breintonjunction791]

Good morning Michael & Mandy didn’t you take your captain’s hat with you lol 😂 nice size boat you’ve hired and beautiful scenery very jealous I did laugh when you asked the instructor about seeing Nessie caught him out and made him smile 👍 cheers al

[@michaelchartres]

Hello Al. Thanks for watching and your comment. It was a 6 berth boat which means it was just right for the 2 of us and the dogs. Ben, the instructor is a great lad with his soft Scottish accent and a great sense of humour. Cheers Michael

[@flyingkub]

You right back in your zone. I should imagine the safety brief was teaching to suck eggs a bit but always good to have the specifics for the area.

[@michaelchartres]

I was back in my zone after over 10 years. A lot of the safety measures were specific to the area and combined with the lock procedures. Always useful to remind and remember hence check lists for pilots. Cheers and thanks for watching. Michael

[@phil36310]

Hi Michael, This brings back memories when we had a 'boating in Ireland on the Shannon River back in 1976 and on the Norfolk Broads in 1985. But we had nice weather except for thick fog rolling in somewhere on a lake on the Shannon - got disoriented - missed the guided path and almost hit rocks at water level. Scary - but with intensive attention we slowly found our way back with the help of a simple compass. I will never forget ! So I envy you both enjoying this boating trip on the Caledonian Canal. It seems very peaceful and not crowded as the 'Broads'. I wish the Captain and Crew a safe and most enjoyable trip ! A plus. Cheers Filip

[@michaelchartres]

That sounds like an experience to remember Filip. I was in thick fog approaching Karlskrona in Sweden where the Russian submarine hit the rocks in the 1960's. Our GPS was not working properly so I was navigating by Dead Reckoning and saw the Safe Water Mark inside 5 minutes of my calculations. It was a great relief.. Yes it was quiet and peaceful but we did have some rough weather on Loch Ness. Regards Michael

[@HARKAICHRIS]

Hi michael Love the vids. Watched a few times. I have a party going in august. My first time as skipper😅. Can you tell me where i can get the maps he showed you in the breifing please Thanks Chris

[@michaelchartres]

Hello Chris. The maps came with the boat hire. We used Le Boat but I believe other hire companies in the area also provide them. You can also find them on line on Le Boat's website. Thanks for watching and have a good party in August, Michael