Tokavaig

Oh, what a beautiful morning. Where did that come from, rain was the forecast for today. We moved Marge next to the large van so we could run our hose from the tap and top up her water tank. Close the blinds said Marge, I'm don't want those people looking in. Stop it Marge, we'll give you a sweep out in a while. Look, they're wearing sheepskin carpet slippers. Behave Marge, you've hardly got any carpet anyway, what's wrong with crocs? Quick close the door they might see our bucket, they've probably got a washer dryer. He's got an electric toaster. Don't you start John. O.K. let's get the inflatable hoover out, it's time to clean Marge.

We didn't leave until late morning taking advantage of the weather to dry our clothes off. As the narrow roads opened up into a two-way road John's mobile beeped. Signal! First message from John's sister, second from Angela's son who is on holiday in Poole with his family and unwell, so we made a quick phone call to check all was well.

Just after, we passed under one of the viaducts crossed daily by the Jacobite steam train, then a little further on we stopped to look at The Princes Cairn. This was the site where Bonnie Prince Charlie set sail for France fleeing Scotland.

In the water we thought we spotted an otter. No, it was a snorkeler with a very large rubber clad bottom.

Our destination was Mallaig, a town we said we'd never return to after some problems last year. Drive in slowly Marge, keep your head down, don't draw attention to us. At Mallaig the Jacobite (or as Harry Potter fans know it the Hogwart Express) was in the station.

We'd seen it briefly last year as it passed us by whilst travelling to Mallaig but never close up. Parking Marge up opposite, Angela walked up to the ferry terminal to book tickets for the vehicle ferry to the Isle of Skye. There was no space until the six ten sailing. Not wanting to stay overnight in Mallaig she booked Marge on.

On the way back to the van Angela picked up haddock and chips, and very nice they were too. As we walked around the town after our lunch we could see the ferry from Skye approaching. Did the lady at the ticket office say we were on the 6.10 sailing or 16.10 sailing. Wearing a face mask seems to affect Angela's hearing. So we rushed back to Marge, fired her up and went to the ferry terminal. No Marge you're not on this sailing, get out of the queue. We were on the ten past six. Whilst we waited to return to the terminal we sat in Marge and looked across to Skye. We couldn't believe a year had passed since we were here last.

The town of Mallaig this year was much busier and friendlier. There were coaches arriving with Harry Potter fans excited about boarding their beloved Hogwarts Express. The Christmas decorations were still up in the town as they were last year. Why bother taking them down?

Early evening the ferry slipped its berth. Today had seemed a lost day, but it was not really. The drive from this area to the Skye bridge would have taken Marge about four and a half hours. She doesn't like to rush. It had also given us a chance to see Mallaig in a different light, and to see the Jacobite.

A note to van owners. There are now new toilets in the main car park in Mallaig, with showers, fee payable. We were a little annoyed that we hadn't noticed the showers earlier as we were parked very near this facility, but hey ho, we'll know next time. 

The ferry arrived at Armadale a few minutes early. The rain arrived as well. We had an overnight stop already chosen on recommendation from a couple who were next to us on our first night at Ardtoe. As Marge powered along a wide main road we covered the first few miles with ease until we turned off, then the driving really got interesting. A narrow winding road populated with sheep and cows and just to liven the journey up a hill with a gradient of 20%. Great!. At one point Marge gasped, she was in first gear and had to find that little bit extra. Well done Marge, this is the only road in and out so sorry you'll have to do it all again tomorrow. 

Our overnight spot is beautiful. Even through the rain we can see the mountains on the mainland. The view is raw and wild, and stunning. Marge all settled, John spotted something in the water nearby. Our very first otter spotted by ourselves. This was great. We'd have to add this to our 'wee bloggy' this evening.

The weather doesn't look good for tomorrow, but we'll go with it whatever. You never know we may even see some more otters.