Lochbuie, Isle of Mull (day 2)

Today the weather set to be settled Angela decided it would be a good idea to hand wash a few items. Life on the road can sometimes be challenging, especially when it comes to washing. But after three weeks in Scotland earlier this year, nine weeks in Europe and Morocco after that, and now back in Scotland we think we've nailed it. Jobs done, there was no need to rush as we were staying another night here at Lochbuie.

So a walk along the coast looking for otters, sadly no sightings today, but we did spot a seal and a sea eagle. We love it here. It's quiet, picturesque, calm, and because we come here so often a couple of locals recognise us. However, despite it being September, the midges are still on the attack, driving us inside Marge early evening.

Thank goodness we decided to cook our main meal outside on our grill this afternoon rather than later, bread for Angela, couscous for John. Despite the changeable weather and the midges the island is busy with visitors, but we manage to find a few quiet places to stop overnight and walk out. So tomorrow, we will probably move on to a new location. As always, the weather will dictate where.

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.

Balloch, Loch Lomond

For Angela, today officially marked the end of summer. After wearing shorts for over four months it was time to dig out the long trousers. It was a sad day. Our overnight stay at the wind farm fortunately passed without incident. Angela slept downstairs because she's a light sleeper and knew the tent would be flapping, and also that there would probably be cars coming and going during the night as there always is when we stay in remote spots. Why? Well we'll leave you to decide. The thoughtful couple Jay and Tammi and not forgetting Pablo their dachshund next to us positioned their van to shelter us a little which we very much appreciated. So just three vans here last night, luckily the two ladies who disturbed everyone's sleep the night before didn't tip up! There was always a chance as we're all heading north and are probably like minded in wanting a free overnight spot. This morning a drive of just over thirty minutes, during which we passed through the Clyde Tunnel to Milngavie where the West Highland Way walk begins.

After securing parking at one of the two Premier Inns we settled into a nearby Macdonald's for hot drinks just as the heavens opened. It's been a real shock having to suddenly adapt to wetter colder weather after so many months of warm settled conditions. This afternoon a drive to Balloch at the bottom of Loch Lomond. The overnight spot is free and popular.

The rain settled so we took a long walk through the country park alongside the loch then back past the derelict Balloch castle. Of course it rained before we returned so wet jackets needed drying, which as you can imagine in the confines of Marge is no fun. However, the sun sympathised with us and we were able to dry our jackets outside.

To top off the day excellent fish and chips from the Blue Lagoon across the road. And yes, whilst we waited for them to be cooked the heavens opened. Oh joy, wet coats again!