We covered a lot of ground today or should I say sea and canal? Early this morning we left the Oban Harbor and made our way past Lismore Island into Loch Linnhe. The morning mist evaporated and the flannel-grey clouds began to lift, revealing forest and heather-clad mountains.
Stewart Aitchison gave a geology talk covering new ideas in geology, a little history of early geologists in the U.K., and finished with a brief outline of three billion years worth of geologic events that created today's Highland landscape. Next it was expedition leader and historian Steve Blamires' turn to enlighten us in the long and complex history of the Jacobite uprisings, the struggle of the Highlanders to regain the throne.
At the end of Loch Linnhe, Captain Still deftly maneuvered the ship into the tiny sea loch at Corpach, which marked the beginning of the Caledonian Canal portion of our journey. We passed through another loch, rounded a bend, passed a railway swing bridge and road swing ridge before starting up the eight locks that make up Neptune's Staircase. Here the ship rose eight feet per lock for a total of 64 feet.
Mid-afternoon, we set off for Glenfinnan, the site where Bonnie Prince Charlie raised his standard in 1745 and also made his escape from Scotland after his defeat at the battle of Culloden in 1746. Glenfinnan is also where the train tracks that run from Fort William to Mallaig cross a high viaduct that has been featured in the Harry Potter films.
Naturalist Ian Bullock led a nature walk to a small stand of ancient Scots pines and birch. We learned about the current attempt to recreate more of the original Caledonian forest. He also taught us a little about the Celt's use of different tree species as an alphabet.
Another marvelous day in the Scottish Highlands.
