Loch na Keal, Isle of Mull

Yesterday was a waterfall today, today rainbows. And to create rainbows, what do you need, sunshine and rain, of which there was plenty.

 Today, a visit to Tobermory. When the rain gets you down, and the thought of hiking in it depresses you, Tobermory is the place to decamp to. From Lochbuie, for Marge,  it's a drive of around an hour and a half.

Today was much longer as after a stop at the Spar in Salen, just outside the village the traffic began to build up.

The reason, a tree had fallen onto a van and the power cable opposite.  Hopefully the van driver was O.K. After some time the men from Scottish power cleared the tree and the road opened. There aren't many roads here on Mull, and this particular one is the main road to Tobermory. Some people were impatient about having to wait for the clearance, but hey, that tree could have fallen onto any of our vehicles, thank god we stopped at the village shop, Marge might have clocked it! Last time we arrived at Tobermory it was heaving, today not so. The persistent showers have either driven people off the island or just kept them inside.

So it was easy to park in Marge, before setting off to 'Hooked' for a lunch of their homemade haddock fishcakes, of which you are given two, with either a choice of salad or chips. We think they are the best fishcakes we've ever eaten. Sorry The Fish Plaice in Swanage, yours are excellent as well, but these pip you at the post. No photos of lunch, but we spotted this in Hooked!

As another day draws to a close, Angela is still unwell, which she's really fed up about. A decision needs to be made about our west highland way walk. Is it a good idea for her to exert herself, then spend the nights in a tent in the cold and wet? We're now sat at Loch na Keal in a new spot for us trying to make some decisions. 

We think the warm weather we experienced from April to early September whilst on our travels has spoiled us. Did we complain at times it was too hot? Surely not. Well at this moment in time, a little bit of warm sunshine and no rain really appeals. What do you think Marge, should we head for the sun?

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.

Loch na Keal, Isle of Mull (the return to, day 2)

Although all of Mull is beautiful, Angela thinks there are only three locations that are perfect. Two especially. Lochbuie and Loch na Keal. The third, Ffionofort, where the beaches are stunning, but popular because they are just stunning, and because of their location near to the tiny island of Iona. Ffionofort will be our next stop. For now we are sitting tight, not keen to move until after the bank holiday weekend. But we will see, perhaps tomorrow. First though there was a Munro to walk on. Towering over us is Ben More. It is just under 1000 metres high. It's peak constantly plays hide and seek with the cloud. Walking boots on, and lunch packed we set off. From the get go, the uphill climb was relentless. Our legs complaining from the start. The waterfalls and rock pools were beautiful.

Crystal clear water slid over the rocks before tumbling down towards the loch. Despite an overcast day, the views were still lovely, and we very much enjoyed looking at them whilst we lunched.

Then it was back to Muddy Marge. That was Ben More done! Remember we said we were going to walk on a Munro, not actually climb it! This evening our little camping area is popular. Parked near to us a T25 campervan that was here with us two years. Owning a VW T25 Syncro 4x4 is on John's wish list. 

We have now been away thirteen days and have made the most of everyday. As we age the urgency of missing opportunities is strong. The urge to travel means not standing still too long. So as spectacular as the island of Mull is, we must soon make plans for our onward journey. We're sure that along the way there will be many more exciting places to visit and experiences to experience, on our road trip we have named, 'Muddy Marge's Highland Fling!

Loch na Keal, Isle of Mull (the return to)

Let us tell you about our day. Early start to shop, shower and lunch at Tobermory.

Then an interesting drive along, up, over and around twisting roads with barely any visibility as to who might appear at any moment. Calgary bay was our chosen spot for tonight.

A large bay with Caribbean white sands and tropical blue green waters. There is a little camping area here where we have stayed before. 

Muddy Marge just squeezes through the entrance. Arriving early, we had a pick of the spots, and chose the one we stayed on last time we were here. There were already quite a few tents in the camp field. Angela spoke to a man in one of them who explained he'd arrived today using public transport from Surrey. He was here to meet up with friends to play Frisbee Golf at a nearby course. That's correct. Frisbee Golf! Who'd have thought. Amazingly, it's quite a thing in the U.K. He'd almost run out of water and really fancied a cup of tea. Angela put the kettle on.

After a walk along the sands and through the nearby wooded area, we returned to the site. A short time later young men began to return to their tents. And then a van arrived with more. A banner was erected reading Geordies on Tour and we knew it was time to pack up and leave, as others on the site appeared to be also doing. Such a shame, that the few spoil it for everyone else. Angela doesn't like it when we're away on bank holidays, there's always problems, whether we're at home or abroad. There was only one place to go, back to Loch na Keal, a long drive, along yet more 'interesting' roads, with spectacular views.

So here we are, back with people who appreciate the outdoors, the scenery, the wildlife and sunsets. And what a sunset! Our smiley moment of the day, was when a farmer riding a quad bike with two sheep in the trailer he was towing asked us if we'd like to swop vehicles. You never stop drawing attention do you Muddy Marge. Apparently not. Our German neighbour tonight, said, 'I like your vehicle'. Quite the celebrity our Marge. And doesn't she look magnificent with the sun setting behind her this evening. One of our best sunsets ever. Absolutely breathtaking.