During the last three days we have seen many different types of boats from tiny rowing boats and canoes to the large ferries which transport vehicles across from Oban to the islands.  We saw pleasure boats taking tourists out to see seals and other wildlife and the famous Corryvreckan whirlpool and boats which were used for fishing or for repair or maintenance work.  At Crinan Canal we watched motor cruisers and yachts going through the sea locks and saw an old Puffer being restored at the boat yard with puffs of black smoke coming out as they tested the boiler.  The Clyde puffer was a small steam-powered cargo ship which provided a vital supply link around the west coast and Hebrides islands of Scotland. They were used for carrying all sorts of cargoes to and from remote settlements where there were no piers as their flat bottom allowed them to beach and unload at low tide, The Puffer VIC 32 shown in the Crinan Canal basin beside the trees is the last coal-fired steam-powered puffer still operating in Scottish waters and offers day trips.  On our way home today we stopped in Inverary where the Vital Spark is moored as a museum.  It was one of the puffers used in the amusing television series about the crew of “The Vital Spark”   
Extra We passed the yellow and blue canoes lying beside the hut among bracken and heather and many other wild flowers this morning and most boats that we have seen in the last two days have been sailing yachts.