Lochbuie, Isle of Mull (Day 2)

This morning the sun was out! So why move? So we didn't. Instead we spent our morning washing clothes and Marge. Although the water here is non potable, so not for drinking, it's perfectly good enough for washing clothes, and land rovers. Chores finished by midday, we awarded ourselves coffee and cake at the cafe, and bought sausages supplied by a local farm for tonight's BBQ. 

Fuelled up with calories, we packed lunch food and took a walk out along the rocky track around the loch. Last time we'd walked out here we spotted an otter, so we were hopeful we'd see another today. Sadly they were Illusive. Never mind, we had a nice walk out. Angela even allowed John to walk up a small waterfall to take a look around the corner, after she'd carried out a risk assessment of course.

The weather today has been glorious. Warm enough for shorts! At only 17 c it was 'roasting', as the Scots say. What a change to be able to cook and sit outside this evening. Even the midges agreed!

Evening meal of Cheese and Onion Pork sausages cooked on the BBQ.

Lochbuie, Isle of Mull

Before leaving Uisken beach we gave Marge a tidy and a clean. That's the joy of fine weather, we were able to utilize all the outside space around us including the table next to us. A lady who lives right by the beach was walking her dog when we left. She remembered us from the last time we stayed here on May 16th. We couldn't believe we have travelled to so many islands and een so much since then. It seemed like only yesterday. After discussing where we were heading today, which was Carsaig, she told us how 'interesting' the drive down was. 'Just make sure you note where the last passing place was'. Twice she said, ' you'll be fine in your truck'. It doesn't take a lot for Angela to become anxious, she was now! The road down to Carsaig seemed fine to us, passing places a plenty, and then suddenly it wasn't. Narrow, steep, a drop down on one side, boggy verges and no passing places! Just when we thought it couldn't get any worse, a steep descent down with bends. Blind bends and still no passing places. Angela was a nervous wreck, and glad she wasn't driving. On park4night the overnight spot by the old stone pier promised sunsets and seals. We walked out through sodden peaty ground, over a rocky beach, crossing fresh water streaming down from waterfalls.

(Underside of a Sea Urchin stranded on the beach, consequently popped into a rockpool)

The view across to Jura and Islay were lovely and we discussed how lucky we were to be able to be here with this view at this moment. We talked about the visitors we'd seen whilst we were in Glencoe and on Skye. Their trips organized to take in the 'sights', never really seeing the other side of Scotland. We have enjoyed talking to the local people. Everyone has been friendly. At Lochbuie we've become friendly with a man called Bob whose building his own house.

Yes, we're back at Lochbuie! There are a lot more people staying here now. We were surprised our regular spot under the trees was taken by a small tent, staying in it a family of six! But we didn't mind, the space next to it is better when the weather's good, which it has been for a few days now. To think we nearly gave up on Scotland all those weeks ago. As for Lochbuie, Angela asked Bob what the winters were like at Lochbuie? 'Wet and dark', he replied. Suddenly Lochbuie didn't sound so idyllic. 

Uisken Beach, Isle of Mull

Words cannot describe how beautiful the view was this morning. As the clouds slid by and the sun shifted casting shadows across the landscape and the loch, it was as if we were viewing nature's television.

We were in otter country. Angela walked out early in search of them, but only the ever present squabbling oyster catchers were up and about. That was until we left. 

A short distance along the road we spotted an Otter crossing. Why did the Otter cross the road? Because of the fresh water flowing down off the mountains before entering the loch. Otters don't drink salt water, and they like to bathe in fresh water. That's why there's more chance of spotting them at low tide where rivers run into main bodies of water.

Our first visit today was to Knochvolagan Beach. It has to be one of the islands secret places. Fortunately Angela likes to read up on the areas we are visiting. Like her mother, Marge, she loves a guide book. As we approached Fionnphort, the island of Iona seemed within touching distance on this bright morning. How long have we waited for the weather to settle? Had summer eventually arrived in Scotland? The drive down to Knochvolagan took us through farmland to a closed gate. Should we go through it? Angela checked trip advisor. Yes, open the gate, drive to the farm and park in the paddock by the farmhouse. So we did, greeted on our arrival by sheep, cockerels, hens, and a goose. What a crazy place, chaotic and charming.

The tractors and vehicles no longer of use left to break down amongst the landscape. A ten minute walk, took us down to the beach.

The tide now low we were able able to walk across to the tiny island of Erraid just one square mile in size. It is the smallest, driest, sunniest island on Scotland's west coast. As we walked down the precarious rocky track down to the beach we caught sight of one of the prettiest beaches we'd ever seen. O.M.G. It was stunning. Swathes of bright white sand and blue green crystal clear water. Paradise in Scotland.

On the beach sheep and cattle rummaged through the seaweed, stopping to give us a look of contempt as we photographed them. We sat on a seat, dedicated to a lady who'd passed away.

Angela commented, if she were to die at that moment, what a beautiful view be your last memory. She's cheerful like that. A few weeks ago we were in this area, and enjoyed a meal at the Creel Seafood Bar.

So why not have another. Whilst eating, the sun burning our faces, we wondered about staying away a little longer. Tomorrow we will check the weather forecast and make a decision.

Today has been a lovely day. We saw an otter, visited an awesome beach, ate a fantastic lunch, returned to a beautiful overnight spot on the coast, managed to wash a lot of clothes and England beat Switzerland in the Euros, thank God!

Kilfinichen, Isle of Mull

Would this morning be our last morning at Lochbuie. Who knows, we still have a few more nights here on Mull. Today though we wanted to visit the Aros waterfall. We have driven by the parking for it many times as it is just on the outskirts of Tobermory. After the heavy rain yesterday we were expecting it to be stunning. We were not disappointed. We could hear the power of the water as soon as we stepped out of Marge. Despite the roar of the water it seemed tranquil amongst the wooded area that surrounded the falls.

Tobermory however was not tranquil. A cruise ship lay at anchor outside the harbour and a huge number of its passengers were in the town.

We were in town purely to once again shower and food shop. We watched as the passengers queued at the marina waiting for the tenders to return them to the ship. We decided cruising wasn't for us. Marge meets all our needs. Rough and ready!

Tonight we'd planned to stop over down at another of our favourite spots on the island, Loch Na Keal. But upon our arrival we were surprised at just how windy it was. The cloud hung low obscuring most of the mountains and it felt bleak and unwelcoming. So we drove on stopping at Tiroran Community Forest where they've created five pitches for campervans to stay overnight at a cost of ten pounds.

 Effectively, it's an area where pine trees have been cleared and they now want to make use of the land. After a walk around, Angela of course having to use the compost toilet, if only to compare with our Boxio, we decided it felt a little remote and perhaps exposed if the wind got up. So on we drove and found a nice little spot opposite Loch Scridain. It's the quietess place we've ever stayed. Not a baa of a lamb, a call of a bird, no rustling of ferns or trees from the wind. We feel totally detached from the real world.

Thank goodness. The result of yesterday's general election has pleased some, disappointed others. As with any contest there is always only one winner. You can't please all of the people, all of the time. We are hoping that house sales will now improve, and that our house will sell shortly. After spending two months away in many peaceful places we know Poole is not the place for us to live. Bank of England, Interest rate cut in August please. Let's get houses sold!