Luing tails from Coco

Well what a busy week we have had.  On Sunday we made our way through Loch Oich to Fort Augustus.  We stopped on the pontoon at Oich to get some shopping.  There was a nice little beach there - just perfect for me to dip my paws into the water.  Well actually I dipped my whole self in and had a great time swimming out to fetch my tennis ball and then coming back ashore and soaking everyone with a good shake!  We moored next to a yacht and I decided to go and pay them a visit.  We met a very nice couple called Jennifer and Crawford and soon all the humans were chatting away.  I tried to make myself comfortable on the furniture but was unceremoniously pulled off by Mum.  I don’t think she wanted me to show her up in front of the people we had just met!

After that we headed to Fort Augustus and tied up at the top of the locks.  Unfortunately the swing bridge was out of action so all the boats had to stay put.  That suited us though as we were planning to stay for a couple of days.  On the way to Fort Augustus we had a couple of locks to go through.  All the lock keepers were very impressed by me and very helpful to Dad when he was taking the boat through.  Unfortunately, Mum’s bad back means she can’t do much to help out but we are managing fine.

We had a stroll around the place, had great fish and chips from the Canal fish and chip shop and then headed to the Bothy pub where I was given a piece of steak by one of the kind staff in there.  Mum and Dad got talking to a couple of walkers that were in the same place as us on Saturday.  Turns out they have their own website describing their walk which can be viewed at www.johnsonsjaunts.co.uk.  They even mention meeting us on it!

Monday was a really wet day.  Mum has still got work to do, even though she is supposed to be on holiday, so she worked away on the laptop whilst Dad and I got wet every time we went out.  The rain finally stopped late in the evening and we all went out for a walk along the towpath.  I had a great time running in and out of the bushes at the side of the canal.  Got soaked through again from all the water on them.

Tuesday was a working day for her again, although she was finished early in the afternoon.  Then it was a trip to the butchers for lots of goodies and a couple of juicy bones for me - yum, yum.  It was lovely weather on Tuesday and in between walks I spent most of the day out on deck sunning myself - it’s a dog’s life!

Wednesday we decided to move through the locks and on towards Loch Ness.  Whilst we were going through the flight of locks we were accompanied by 2 swans and 6 cygnets.  At one point one of the wee ones went into the corner of the lock and all activities had to stop to persuade it to come out again.  It’s Dad was giving it a good row and managed to herd it back towards the gate opening.  The night before I had tried to stick my nose over the end of the boat to see the swans but they sounded a bit angry so I kept it in this time!  Loch Ness was a great adventure.  It rained nearly all the way through but I enjoyed being out on it, Nessie watching.  Unfortunately she didn’t raise her head - think it might have been too wet for her!  We ended up at Dochgarroch for the night.  Lots more walks for me along the canal.

And now we are nearly at the end of the canal at Muirtown just at the top of the flight of locks.  There should be a lot of boats coming through tomorrow as part of Homecoming Scotland and lots planned for Saturday, so we are going to stay put for a couple of days before heading back along the canal to Corpach.  We can stay in the canal until next Wednesday so I hope we take it easy going back as I am really loving this holiday.

Today’s picture is me playing ‘hide and seek’!

BWFN  Coco

Yesterday we had a leisurely day and stayed put at the top of the staircase.  It was a brilliant day for weather and I was outside for most of it.  Had a few swims in the canal to cool down.  Met a lovely man on the next boat who gave me some delicious chicken to eat.  Then he invited us all over for a meal - yes me too!  I was on my very best behaviour and slept under the table for most of the night.  The man was called Ernie and was a most gracious host to us all.  Sadly he lost his little dog very recently so I was at my very friendliest with him.  His boat was lovely - lots of places to explore.

Woke up this morning and guess what - someone had pinched Ben Nevis, or so I thought.  Turned out it was just a bit of rain and mist hiding it!  We decided to up sticks and move along the canal a bit.  Here is a photo of me on the boat heading for Gairlochy:

Dad was very busy yesterday painting the deck so I thought I would include it in the picture - I think the blue shows off my lovely dark fur a treat.

I only managed to jump ship once today whilst waiting to get into a lock - but I soon came back.  Also nearly had a slip up when I spotted a duck and forgot the top of the cabin was wet - nearly skidded right off but managed to stay upright!

Tomorrow we are heading up to Fort Augustus for a couple of days - hopefully more adventures and pictures for you all then.

BWFN Coco

Here we are now in the Caledonian.  This morning we came up Neptune’s staircase, although Neptune himself didn’t seem to be about.  I was photographed loads of times by people watching the boats go through the locks.  We joined two yachts and Mum steered the boat most of the time whilst Dad did the ropes.  One of the yachts is from Poland and they are going through the canal and onward to Norway - don’t think I would enjoy all that time at sea.  The people who work on the canal were very nice to us all, especially me.  It took us two hours to get up the flight.  At the last lock a man came over saying “no going ashore for you today” - at which I promptly jumped ship!  Dad thought it was hilarious as he had to get off the boat and chase me - keeps him fit.  After that me and Mum had a little stroll to the pontoon where we are staying for a couple of days.  We can see Ben Nevis great from here - my how I would like to go for a run over there but I don’t think the humans are up to it!

So now for the next couple of days it is a bit of lazing about and walks for me.  Unfortunately they are keeping me on the lead because there are loads of bunnies round here - that’s no fair in my opinion but they think they know best.

The boat we are on is an 11metre converted inshore fishing boat (an MFV).  Dad converted it himself about 20 years ago - what a clever chap he is.  In fact they used to live on it until they became land bound (or should I say Luing bound) about 6 years ago.  I will try to get Dad to take a picture of it and put it on my next post - I find those digital camera things very fiddly to deal with with my paws.

Here is a photo of me on top of the boat going through the locks and one of Dad.  I’ll keep in touch with my further travels

BWFN Coco

Well, firstly North Wales was great.  I travelled down with Dad on the Thursday and Mum flew into Manchester and met us at the hotel.  And what a good boy I was.  I never put a paw out of place.  We were meant to be taking Dad’s Mum with us but unfortunately she wasn’t well enough to travel with us.  She is 89 and it would have proved too much for her.  But we did have some companions with us - Jean and Mac (that’s Dad’s sister and her husband).  We travelled to Rhos-on-sea on Friday where the weather was lovely, although a bit chilly.  They have a great promenade there which I highly recommend for using to skid on the frisbee - it went great guns.

We also visited the beach at Colwyn Bay.  Part of it allows us doggies on it so I got a good run around and played with the frisbee and ball.  Our hotel was ‘comfortable’ Mum says!  Dad muttered something about Fawlty Towers! But I thought it was a great place to stay.  We stayed in Abington on the way back and arrived home on Monday afternoon.

So now for the next adventure.  We left Cullipool yesterday and went by boat up to Oban.  We had an ice cream in the afternoon and fish and chips for tea (well they did - I just got a small morsel.  Don’t want to spoil my trim waistline).  We are on our holidays now for 3 weeks.  Don’t know how she has done it but Mum is home until the end of the month and we are having a restful cruise through the Caledonian Canal for the next couple of weeks.

After the fish and chips we motored over to Lismore where we spent the night.  This morning we cruised up Loch Linnhe, had a quick stop off on a deserted island for me to have a little tinkle (don’t like doing it on the boat) and we are now in the first basin of the canal.  It’s great here because I can get ashore quite easily.  Have just seen loads of rabbits but Dad kept me on the lead so I couldn’t chase them.  The great thing is that I will be able to get on the computer whilst I am away and maybe even get some pictures published.  Watch this space….

BWFN Coco

Yes, it’s true - me and Dad are off on our holidays tomorrow to North Wales.  I believe we are meeting up with Mum in Manchester tomorrow night then picking up Dad’s Mum on Friday.  I wonder if I will understand the accent of the doggies that I’ll meet.  Regional barks can be very difficult at times you know.

It hasn’t been great weather here on Luing for the last few weeks so hopefully we will find some sunshine at the weekend.  I don’t really mind either way - as long as there is a beach for me to have a run about on I’m happy.  Dad has loaded the car with all my stuff - I take up more room than the humans do.  Well, I do have to be looked after.

So, watch out for the next blog - hopefully some holiday photos as well.

BWFN

Coco

Well I can’t believe it is so long since I have been on the old computer.  And I can’t blame it on the fact that I have been out and about loads because the weather has been absolutely dreadful.  It has been so bad here that I am now looking into getting webbed paws to keep me afloat.  Good job Dad has loads of boats - we might need to change one into an Ark any day soon!

So what have I been up to?  Well this and that really.  Just mooching about.  Lots of sheep and lambs in the village so I am on my extra best behaviour at the moment.  Don’t even look their way if I can help it.  Cheeky things have been in our garden though eating the new plants - Mum wasn’t pleased.  When it was really wet the other day about 5 lambs took shelter under one of the boats at the back of the house.

Have put pen to paper again for our twice yearly newsletter - I have a small column in it.  That should go on sale soon.  Alas we have no newspapers on the island now as our shop has stopped selling them as they are winding down their business.  So that means the daily walks to the shop when Mum is home have gone.  Who knows what is going to happen there.  We are all sad that our shop is in decline.  I had some of my best frisbees ever from there, and the tennis balls, well they were just the bees knees.

Mum has been home for a couple of weeks but looks like she is getting ready to leave us again soon.  There is talk of me going on my holidays to Wales at the end of the month but I don’t really know exactly what is going on there - watch this space.

Sorry it’s been so long pals, will try to be more on top of things.  Off to splash in a puddle or two now.

BWFN

Coco

PS  If anyone finds a hard rubber ball, red in colour, about the size of a tennis ball, washed up on the shore anywhere - it is mine.  I only had it half an hour when a wave came and stole it from me!  And here is a recent photo of me!

Well there is a lot of activity on the island at the moment.  Every day there are more people coming over to Luing.  The reason is that two of our neighbours are celebrating their Golden Wedding tomorrow and the lady is also 70 years old.  So a big celebration ceilidh is planned tomorrow night.  Now all I need to do is work out how I can sneak into the hall to join in the party.  I have to admit my dancing isn’t too good but I do like to try a Dashing White Sergeant now and again.  Bit of activity in the house as well as we have some guests staying with us. It is a bit like that on Luing, every spare bed is occupied to let everyone enjoy the party and not have to travel home afterwards.  So I am on my best behaviour for the next couple of days - no going into the spare bedroom and lying on the newly made up bed!

Of course I am sure our visitors will find me an adorable specimen and perhaps invite me into the room anyway for a cuddle?  Well here’s hoping.

Have had a nice week with herself being home.  A few nice walks and lots of playing outside with the tennis ball.  We have got one of these chucker-thingymebobs that helps the ball go a long way which I can then go and retrieve.  Helps keep me lithe and in tip-top condition.  Just as a dog should be.  There was a report on the telly the other day about dogs being fed pizza instead of dog food and you should have seen the size of them.  Scary what you humans can do to us sometimes.  Glad I trained my lot early and only get the occasional last bite of toast in the morning, and of course my delicious piggies ear as a treat in the evening.  Couldn’t live without the piggies ear, wish it was evening now, can just smell the delicious fragrance, that’s it I am starting to salivate, I will have to go and have a lie down and dream of my next treat…….

Gosh it is hard being a dog with self-control…….

BWFN

Coco

Well last week was lovely here on Luing.  Very sunny and pleasant - just right for walkies about the island.  I also got to go to work with himself which I like.  When it is rainy days he leaves me in the house and just comes back to walk me regularly.  I like to be out and about watching what’s going on.

This week that has all changed.  Herself is back.  Which means there is no way I am going to get to go to work with him.   Mind you, I soon change my ways and she becomes my best friend for a while.  I know just how to look at her to get the attention I deserve.

It has been very windy here today - not a good day for walking about.  Of course, I don’t mind the weather but she doesn’t seem to like battling the elements.  So I am praying for sunny weather in the hope that I get out and about.

BWFN

Coco

Now that herself is over in the Emerald Isle, me and Dad are enjoying ourselves doing lad’s things.  Last Friday was a trip round to Balvicar on the boat.  Now I am sure you will all find this very hard to believe but I am a tiny bit nervous of the boat.  Not when she is moored up and I can see dry land.  In fact wherever we go I can see dry land.  No my problem is when those wave things happen.  They don’t have to be big, but as soon as I feel that flutter then I go off to find somewhere to hide.  This is usually beneath their bunk at the pointy end of the boat.  Dad does his best to allay my fears but I just don’t think I am cut out for this boating lark.  Having said that, I am always the first one on the boat whenever we go out to it.  I can jump from the dinghy onto the side deck with a single leap.

The weekend weather hasn’t been the best.  Dad managed to go to work for a while on Saturday but yesterday we just worked in the house (when I say we I mean he) tidying up and having little rests between.  He certainly knows how to look after himself when she is away.  Roast chicken dinner for us - I heard him talking to her on the phone and it sounds like she had a very quiet weekend over there.  I am sure she will be glad to be home whenever that happens.  Looks like it may be a few days away yet - no sign of being loaned out to the neighbours yet.

Hopefully the weather will soon improve and I can get out in the sunshine for a while.  I will organise some pictures to be taken when she gets back and I can show you some of my favourite places around Luing.

BWFN

Coco

Hiya

Firstly, thanks to all of you who took time to comment on my last post - your kind comments were appreciated.  Well, I am pleased to report that I now have all four paws back on the ground and am able to run, jump, splash and generally do all the things I love in life.  The paw is back to normal thank goodness.  Now, I know you will all want to warn me not to run about on it, but I can’t help m’self - Luing is a place that lends itself to a good run.

I’m writing this from Uncle Brian’s house - himself and herself have disappeared again.  She is off to work in Ireland again and they set off to the airport this afternoon.  I am left in the care of Brian (who has one of the nicest gardens on the island).  It has been a real rainy day today so it was good to get onto my favourite chair by his fire and doze a little.  He will take me out for a little walk later around the village.  I am a very adaptable dog and will settle anywhere that is warm and comfy.

Hopefully Dad will be back early tomorrow and we can get on with our lad’s free time.  No more Coronation Street, River City etc.  It will be back to the Dog Whisperer and Waterworld for us!  Hopefully the weather will get better soon and we can go on a few good walks as well.  Will let you know what we get up to…..

BWFN

Coco