Sunday 15 May 2011

Mull & Iona

NOAH! Wasn’t he that guy that built a really good boat when there was lots of rain?  40 days & 40 nights?  I DO hope NOT but …. there’s lots of tree trunks lying around should we need them!!

As you might guess we have had lots of rain – varying amounts of the wet stuff every day.  However, the waterfalls tumbling down the mountains are at their very best!!    Mull and Iona 018

From Glen Coe we came across the Corran Ferry and then drove across The Morvern Peninsula to a place called Lochaline.  When we were last here there was a chuck wagon selling not-so-healthy venison burgers and more. Today it is SO up-market!

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 Megan should appreciate this!!!!!

“Catch-a-Snack”!! at Lochaline.

 

From Lochaline we got the ferry to Fishnish on the beautiful island of Mull.  For so early in the year it is surprisingly busyMull and Iona 079 with tourists.  There are really only 3 campsites on the island so pitches are at a premium and, yes, ……..’you pay’(as the Italians say!).  Tonight we are right on the edge of the Sound of Mull overlooking the ferry terminal at Craignure.  The ferries come in regularly from Oban on the mainland.

Initially we bought a 5-day ‘Saver’ ferry ticket but we have had it up-graded as we want to stay here longer.  The wildlife opportunities and the scenery are just too good not to take advantage of.

Tobermory is as appealing as ever AND, even on a Saturday, we were able to park easily in the middle of the town.    Mull and Iona 060

Tobermoray as seen from a ‘high’ road.

 

 

 

 

Iona

Last Friday we went on the passenger ferry to Iona.  We have never been before because we were put off by the hoards of people going there.  The ferry was still busy with people but what a lovey little island.  Actually, it was more reminiscent of somewhere like Coll but much busier and more commercial.  For all that, it didn’t feel spoilt.  It is a thriving island supporting crofting, farming and a dedicated, resident Christian community.  There are several shops, a Primary School, two hotels and numerous B & B’s and holiday cottages.  The Abbey, in my opinion, is absolutely lovely.  It is small and contained and steeped in history.  Thank goodness it was saved from complete dereliction back in the 1930’s.

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AND:-  not only did we hear the rasping calls of corncrake ………… we saw several!

Other Issues:-

The Van

The Poor Old Girl IS causing us some worries:- the water pump is not working properly AND, with all this rain we have discovered a leak above the sliding door.

Club Sites

I have to say that Camping & Caravaning Club Sites at this time of the year for the over **’s are marvellous.  Immaculate facilities and good value.

Wildlife Highlights

Almost too many to mention ……………. but I will!!!!

  • Corncrake on Iona
  • On Mull : Golden Eagle.  Sea Eagle sitting on nest with two chicks.  Dad comes in with dinner. Dad harassed by crows. Great Northern Diver in full breeding plumage.  Short Eared Owl displaying the most strange flying behaviour – Every now and then he/she ‘clapped’ his/her wings beneath him/her and fell a few metres in the sky. Don’t know what this was all about and could find no reference to it in any of my books. OTTERS!!  Five of them in total – watched for over an hour.  + + +  If like us you are wildlife enthusiasts you must come to this island at this time of year!!

1 comment:

  1. All my favourite places!! Glad the otter spotting's been good - it has been a long time hasn't it!! Mull at any time of year will do me. Enjoy the rest. xx

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