Day 10

When we got up the wind was a bit lighter than yesterday so we took our chance and struck out across the bay. It was quite choppy for so far inland but progress was surprisingly good. It took us about an hour and a half to reach Kessock Bridge, a good milestone.

We paddled a little further up the coast to the sea lock to pick up our canal licence and have lunch. We portaged past the Muirtown locks (locks don't work for canoes unfortunately) and hit the canal. It was nice to be on some smooth water after almost a week at sea. The wind was, of course, in our faces but we still made fast progress, especially without the waves. We stopped off for much needed showers just before getting onto Loch Dochfour and have continued to the beginning of Loch Ness. We're camped on a small beach near the entrance and are hoping to make the other end tomorrow.