Lochbuie, Isle of Mull

We have spent many a night in Marge, on Mull over the last few years and we think last night's overnight weather was probably the worst. Unrelenting strong gusty winds and rain. So this morning we hunkered down in bed until ten, when we decided to breakfast and pack up as quickly as possible. Lochbuie is our chosen spot in a storm, and after a quick stop at the Spar in Salen we were on our way. Fortunately the space under the trees near the tea room isn't accessible to everyone so Marge drove straight in.

The trees around provide shelter, and we still have a view of the loch. It's busy here. Probably because it's only five pounds a night in the honesty box. Toilet available twenty four hours, and water to top up your tank available, although not drinkable. Sounds like a bargain doesn't it? And an added bonus, The Old Post Office tearoom on site ready to serve breakfast if you wish. It was late afternoon before the rain stopped.

A tall ship sought shelter close to the shore, we didn't envy the people staying on it. After being confined to Marge we were glad to eventually break out, walking up to Moy castle.

The waterfalls and rivers normally run steadily, today tumbling, foaming, bouncing over rocks at pace, we'd never seen the like here. No otters spotted today, but we did see a Dipper briefly diving under the water in the fast flowing stream. This evening thunderstorms and more rain. Oh joy. Tomorrow is an improving picture, thank goodness. Would we rather be at home where it's sunny, or here in Scotland. Well, you can always wrap up against the weather, or just stay inside, read and enjoy the ever changing landscape. So Scotland wins. More settled weather would be nice though, if only just a little, as a consolation it's curry night at tonight!

Loch na Keal, Isle of Mull (day 2)

It's wonderful to be back on Mull. It's our go to place for peace, quiet, stunning scenery, fantastic wildlife, and friendly people. This morning dawned bright, and after being awoken by a herd of cows we were up and raring to go. The forecast for the day was great, and we intended to enjoy every minute of it. A walk along the shore after breakfast, stopping to speak with a man collecting copious amounts of seaweed, who told us to keep an eye out for dolphins, which we definitely will, before driving to Tobermory, a picture postcard place, and the main town on the island where we were surprised at just how busy it was.

Showers at the marina before shopping, and then a walk out to the lighthouse.

Got to keep those steps up! For the second night there is just us at our favourite spot alongside Loch na Keal, back on the way from Tobermory via Salen where John photographed the old wrecked boats.

The cows, along with a large sombre bull our guardians for the night. As darkness falls, the rain returns falling lightly.

The mountains disappear into the darkness. We feel content and calm, surrounded by nature.

Loch na Keal, Isle of Mull

This morning we made a decision on our West  Highland Way walk. After researching the weather for the next fourteen days it looked like we'd be better holding off and beginning next Thursday. Posts on Facebook from people on the trail at the moment talk of relentless rain and wind. Fortunately we are in the position where we can bide our time. At our age we don't want to be cold and wet for a week, that's a recipe for becoming unwell. So at lunchtime it was decided we'd drive up to Oban and catch a ferry to Angela's favourite place in Scotland, the isle of Mull. A quick look on the Calmac website and we were pleased to see we could secure a place for Marge on the six twenty five sailing this evening. Result! Of course the sun was shining when we reached Oban, it always does. Whatever the weather forecast, when it comes to the isle of Mull we find it's generally O.K.

The wind was blowing strongly offshore when we left Oban which blew the clouds laden with rain inland.

The nights are drawing in now, and by the time we drove from Craignure, where the ferry came in, it was after eight before we arrived at tonight's stop, one of our favourites beside Loch na Keal.

There were a few vans around, but luckily none at our preferred spot.

So tonight it's just us, Marge and a couple of oyster catchers which we absolutely love to listen to, and a favourite meal of fishfinger rolls!

Tomorrow's forecast looks good for the island, and we're sure despite rain being forecast this week the weather won't be too bad whilst we're here. For now it feels great to have returned to our happy place.

Lochbuie, Isle of Mull

We've now been away two weeks, and still the sun shines, but with it today and strong cold northerly wind, ideal for drying washing, so we took the opportunity. After being forced to change spots yesterday evening, John went to the reception to complain and ask if we could have a free night tonight as compensation. We were told we'd have to wait until four o'clock clock to hear. So we walked over to Knockvologan Beach.

We've visited here before and remember being blown away by the white sands, turquoise blue water, grassy hills and rocks to climb. It's a little piece of paradise. There was just us, a couple with a baby and a couple walking their dog. Unlike our last visit when we sat high on the hill admiring the view, today we hunkered down out of the strong wind which blew in our faces. But we didn't mind, the sun was out and the views absolutely stunning. The tide was falling so we walked back across the sands to the campsite. John seeing no need for walking boots had to result in removing his socks and sandals to navigated the last of the tidal water.

Back at Fidden Farm we were told there'd be no compensation for us regarding our inconsiderate neighbours from the previous evening. The campsites information leaflet clearly states vehicles must not park too close together, and that consideration should be given to others. Obviously these rules aren't implemented. Feeling let down, we packed up and decided to drive back over to Lochbuie. Thankfully it was quiet, just six other people here. The cold wind we'd experienced today now gone, the evening was pleasant. The scattered colours from the fading sun lit the headland. Stunning.

Angela took lots of photographs. We don't know if we'll return to the island of Mull on this trip and she just wanted to capture as many memories as possible.

Fidden Farm Campsite, Ffionofort, Isle of Mull (Day 2)

John survived his practice night in his little tent.

Angela survived the night luxuriating in Muddy Marge's large bed. The wind through the night was a little keen, but the new day dawned bright. Despite the chill in the air, we felt blessed to wake up in such a beautiful location. We also felt very lucky to be having continuous fairly good weather. Yes there's been a little rain, but nothing really to speak of. Today we were excited, it felt like a bucket list day.

We were going to visit the island of Staffa, see inside Fingal's cave and the puffins that return to the island in April to breed. As the boat moved slowly along the sound of Iona the crew steered the boat in amongst the rocks so we could see the seals basking on the rocks.

Then out into the open sea and, 'a bit of a swell'. But we didn't mind. John doesn't suffer with motion sickness, and Angela has taken a travel pill.

As the island of Staffa loomed large we couldn't believe we were actually there. The boat tied up alongside the little jetty and we made sure we were the first to disembark so that we'd be first down at Fingal's cave in order to be able to take some good photographs. Although a handrail has been put in place we still had to take care as we negotiated the basalt paving below our feet.

Staffa is a volcanic island made up of towering hexagonal basalt columns. It was spectacular. Angela didn't enter the cave because there was no handrail on the drop side, but John did.

Here we were in the middle of the deep blue sea, six miles from the island of Mull. It seemed unreal. And just when our visit couldn't become more exciting it did.

The puffins have recently returned to nest, and oh boy did they come out to play, providing us with fantastic photography. We had been first of the boat, and we're last to return, sad to be leaving the puffins, funny little fellas in black dinner jackets and white bibs. As Staffa faded into the distance we were once more in the swell. The boat swung from side to side unnerving some of the passengers, but not us. What a fantastic day it has been. Sadly it didn't end well.

Back at the campsite three vans had almost blocked us in. So much for six metres between us all. We were furious! Obviously we had to move. Now Muddy Marge is over in the overflow area of the campsite. It seems quiet so far, and we are literally right above the beach.

Today's visit to Staffa has made us hungry for more adventures. Life is meant to be lived, and we intent to do just that!