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!

Fidden Farm Campsite, Fidden, Ffionofort, Isle of Mull

We decided it was time to move on, so we packed up early before a light rain shower was due to pass over. Fortunately when it did, it was nothing to speak of. Our drive to Ffionofort was only fifty five miles away, but this being Mull it would mean a drive of nearly two hours. We broke the journey at Pennyghael where there is a small shop adjacent to the campsite. The selection available was not as extensive as the Co-op in Tobermory, and also a lot more expensive. Since we've been on Mull the cost of three shops would have covered five shops at Aldi, but hey ho, it's all part of our trip. We feel though for the people on the island who have a limited choice of where to shop. On the plus side the little store served hot drinks so we indulged. Outside a local man was interviewing people asking them what they liked about Mull. We'd already spoken to him, saying we absolutely loved the island and why, but what we didn't like was the people who spoilt our enjoyment. At the loch yesterday evening two vans arrived around six in the evening. Thankfully they were about quarter of a mile away from us, but their music was cranked up so high we could hear the rapping and the continued boom of the base. Unbelievable! Here we were in one of the most tranquil, beautiful, away from it all places, and these people felt they had the right to ruin it. Fortunately it all ended around midnight, and this morning they were long gone. Obviously our negativity didn't allow us to be interviewed. It still being the bank holiday we were a little apprehensive how busy the campsite we were heading to might be. But we needn't have been concerned, it was fairly quiet. We know tomorrow quite a few people will leave. Sited near to us is a Belgian registered Iveco overland vehicle. We spent a long time talking with the owners exchanging information.

We have booked to stay here on the campsite for two nights. Even though it is now a lot cooler, it is dry, but also quite windy. We have a fantastic pitch in a slightly more sheltered area from where we can see across to the tiny island of Iona.

And once again, just before ten this evening we witnessed yet another incredible sunset.

 Hopefully the wind will calm a little in the night, as we have brought our lightweight tent with us that we will be using on our West Highland Way walk, and John is going to spend the night in it to test out it's suitability and also his lightweight warm clothing.

Angela knows she'll be cosy in Muddy Marge snuggled up in the teddy bear bedding. Hopefully we'll both sleep well. Tomorrow is going to be an exciting day for us, we have booked to go on the boat trip to the island of Staffa, something we've wanted to do in the past, but just not had the opportunity. Now we have the mindset that life is short and we must just 'go for it'!

Fidden Farm Campsite, Isle of Mull

What a beautiful stopover Uisken beach was. Could it be bettered? The morning metallic blue sky hung high above the grey green rocks that sat just off the shore. A group of kayakers glided silently by, the boats of red and orange barely causing a ripple in the water. Idyllic.

Today we would drive to Fidden Farm Campsite just a few miles away. A few miles away doesn't mean a few minutes away here on Mull. We arrived at lunchtime to find a busy site, but Muddy Marge being very capable she negotiated her way into a spot the other vans wouldn't try to access. Our neighbours are a nice couple from Yorkshire. Live in a town house as we do. Are selling up because of a neighbour's noisy dog. It's not just us then.

The views from our pitch are amazing, yes even better than Uisken beach. After us and our washing was clean we took a stroll on the beach and up the nearby lane. Everywhere there are iris's waiting to burst forth. A few yellow blooms are visible, but within the next week or so the area will be a riot of colour and look beautiful no doubt.

It is now a week since we left home, so tonight to mark the occasion we treated ourselves to delicious vegetable pizzas with pesto from the visiting pizza van. Angela is feeling a little better today, or she was until she discovered in the shower she had a tick embedded in her chest. Expertly removed by John with our tick remover hopefully all will be well. 

Good weather is forecast again tomorrow when we will drive around the coast towards Tobermory.