Calgary Bay, Isle of Mull

Last night the rain came and went. Mid morning, keen to break out of Marge, we walked out along the nearby section of road that is closed due to landslip and rockfall, although it is passable with a vehicle at your own risk.

If you know, you know. Waterproof jackets on, the walk was pleasant until the never ending bands of rain passed over. At one point we sought refuge behind a large rock, a good idea, probably not. Some much needed exercise done, we packed up Marge and set off to nearby Salen to purchase hot drinks and yet more kitchen rolls for nose blowing purposes. Angela, has, as expected after a week given John her cold, you can imagine how popular she is! On our way to Salen, travelling behind one of the Mull Wildlife Tour land rovers we happened upon a group with tripods, long lens cameras and spotting scopes set up.

There was obvious something to see. Two otters on a nearby rock, and an eagle flying close to the surface of the water. Earlier we'd seen a seal. It was turning out to be quite a morning. As the rain pounded Marge, we sat in her wondering where to stay for tonight. High winds were forecast all over the island.

We decided to head to Calgary Bay, one of the few  spots near a beach. As we drove up and over the hills, passing through Dervaig, the village looked sad and soggy, as did the camping area at Calgary bay. Marge positioned into the wind, diesel heater on, we settled in for the rest of the day and night with sadly no internet connection. It's shameful really, that we've become reliant on the internet, early in the year when we were away Angela was happy to read her book, now the distractions of online viewing have become a compulsive consumption. Note to self Angela, take your reading book out of the cupboard.

Calgary Bay, Isle of Mull

This morning a low slung mist topped the mountains. The mirror smooth waters of the loch reflected the panorama that surrounded them. Even the sheep were quiet, mesmerized. Then the moment was gone. The calling of the birds woke the day. On the shore the oyster catcher and plover sat on their nests. What a perfect start to a new day, and what a contrast to early morning yesterday on the Fidden Farm Campsite. Queues for the loo, jostling at the wash hand basins where morning regimes of applying 'ones' moisture correctly were taking place. 'Just slap it on love'. 

Our morning regime is far more relaxed. What a fantastic product the Boxio compost loo has turned out to be. Known to us now as 'the boxio', like an old friend Angela loves it. Easy to use and clean.

Grocery shops on the island are few and far between and also expensive. In need of a few items we diverted to Salen. Keeping Mull supplied with supplies is vital, and two days ago a couple we met had had to their ferry from Oban cancelled because space was needed for the lorry's. 

Today we wanted to visit the waterfall on the road to Calgary Bay. We'd made sandwiches which we ate by the fall. A couple called across to us apologizing for disturbing our lunch, but perhaps the presence of four golden eagles, one sat on a pole near us, could excuse their interruption.

The drive onwards to Calgary Bay was challenging. Steep, narrow with blind summits and switchback bends and oncoming vehicles thrown into panic as they saw us approaching. The views was lovely though.

Late afternoon we sited Muddy Marge in the corner of the small free camping area, with public loos opposite. Looks like the boxio might receive some respite. Walked out across the beach and sat a while in the warm sun. Back at the site we lent our tick removing card to a French cyclist who we think we may see again when we reach the outer Hebrides, as his trip takes him from Mull to Barra to the Uists and then onto Harris and Lewis. That's some cycling trip. We however will be staying on Mull a while longer now. It's so peaceful, everyone is friendly, the flora fauna and wildlife so amazing that we're just not ready to leave just yet.