The joys of anchoring

We left Largs around 14.15 after shopping and lunch. Leaving the marina there was not a breath, but within 200 metres of the entrance we had hoisted sail and were cracking along at 5/6 knots towards the Kyles of Bute. The intention was to spend a night at a beautiful small anchorage called Caladh harbour. The wind soon dropped as we headed into the East Kyle, and we motored up through the Burnt Isles, a very narrow passage. I remembered to take off the shackle I had put on to stop the anchor jumping. We negotiated the narrow entrance to Caladh, rocks 20 metres away on both sides, to find ourselves in a "harbour" the size of a duck pond. Don't panic. Then I remembered, I'd not got the anchor windlass control. Quick dash down the companionway to grab it. Gail takes the helm and I rush forward. Remember, we only have about 30 metres to move in any direction. Go forward, remembering I'd greased the control with vasaline to protect it, can't undo the cap due to slipping on vasaline.companionway sprint record broken. 3.7 seconds..over the deck, down below, grab mole grip from toolbox, back up, up to anchor, get cap off and screw on controler. Does'nt work, remember switch. Companionway dash record broken. Now 2.9 seconds. Still doesn't work. Try another switch. Still not working. Only one answer, exit harbour to go into main lock for sea room. Met another boat in 30 metre wide chanel. Get to loch, anchor works first time. Go back into Caladh. Other boat already anchored in prime spot. Drop our hook. Gail says we are may be a bit close to where the water sholes. Up anchor. Move 15 metres. Drop 25 metres of chain. Relax. Remember we've not put anchor snubber on. Fix this. Relax again. Invaded by 20billion midge. Go below and close everything. A lovely peacefull anchorage? Next day, we motored towards the Crinan canal, saw a dolphin which played with us and Gail took a good picture. Can't do pics today as no wifi. We've now gone through 13 locks on the Crinan but have decided not to exit until tomorrow to catch the right tide to head north again towards Oban. The canal is very interesting with quite large locks which were fairly hard work going up, but easier dropping. Gail was brilliant at driving the boat in between the intimidating stone walls of the locks, and we seemed to have worked out a pretty good system with the warps. Me up front, and Gail with the rear warp through the spinnacker block and on to a winch. All fenders were used and needed. Thank goodness these days they give assisted passage to two man boats, as two are needed at all times on the baot, and one at least on land working the locks. Beautiful scenary and very peaceful. Luckily not too many wee beasties (midge). More details and pics when we have wifi.