Victoria

Victoria is a duck. A female duck that we met in Inverness.

Two weeks ago, our mooring neighbours who were cruising the Caledonian
Canal decided to spend a week at home, in Glasgow. When they returned to
Inverness, they found Victoria in their boat. She made herself a cosy
nest using ropes in the cockpit of their boat. Good choice, I must
admit: it is a cosy place, sheltered by a big spray-hood.

And between Victoria and the nest: 8 big eggs.

At first the duck was afraid. But she understood that her "hosts" did
not want her any harm. So she stayed. And the hosts went to the Harbour
Master to ask what they should do with this duck and her eggs. The
answer was: she's part of the Canal's protected species, she shouldn't
be moved, or you would be prosecuted.

So the eggs, the nest, the duck should not be moved from the boat, and
the boat should not be moved from its mooring. "Vibrations and sudden
accelerations could traumatize the duck".

They decided to call this duck Victoria, as a reference to the queen,
since she just came here, and imposed her will.

Well. We left Inverness today. Wishing good luck to our neighbours,
immobilized by the power of the duck. According to wikipedia, this
should not take more than 26 to 31 days.

:-)