Strome Hill, near Inverlochy

We were up at seven this morning. All was quiet at the loch, the other campers still asleep, the sheep absent and the oyster catchers not yet in full voice. We were going to miss Lochbuie. The calmness, beautiful views, the sheep baaing loudly right next to Marge whilst we tried to sleep and particularly the oyster catchers, whose screeching is much amplified now they have young to control. The early morning sunlight picked out the detail on the headland, and with one last look we were away. Angela sad as she always is when she leaves here. Yesterday John bought a small print of Lochbuie for Angela, so when she's back at home she'll be able to look at it with fondness. Our early start meant Marge was at the front of the queue for the ferry. It felt strange to be leaving Mull, but we can't stay away from home for ever, so now we must begin our slow journey home.

Back in Oban, we were launched into chaos and noise. We'd become islanders over the past few weeks, used to calm, tranquil slow living. Shopping in Tesco Angela's head ached. Too many people. Too much noise. Too much choice. We exited as quickly as possible.

A band of fine weather is supposed to be hanging about over central Scotland, so we're going to be heading east. After an early start this morning, we only wanted to drive a short way today, so we decided to stop at one of the Forestry and land sites. Strome Hill is set amongst beautiful woodland with a circular walk to the waterfall and back.

(tasty wild Blueberries)

John spotted a few bright yellow funnel shaped Chanterelle mushrooms which he brought back for tomorrow's breakfast omelette. It feels strange now not to be by the water. Knowing we won't be lulled to sleep by lapping water and unruly wildlife. Instead we are in the mountains, road noise in the background. After returning from our walk we realised the other van here belongs to a couple we met at Ardtoe at the end of May. What were the chances? They're on their way to Oban, we're heading east from where they've come. We talked for a very long time until the lure of the venison and bacon burgers from Lochbuie tempted us. It was great to be able to cook and eat outside. Just a shame we couldn't share the evening with the oyster catchers.

Peppery Milk Caps, don't try eating these.