We got up very early this morning to catch the 3 island ferry at 7:15. Walked to the terminal in the dark and will walk home in the dark 14 hours later.
We sailed past Mull and Tobermory and I could see the colorful harbor front even at this distance. Next we looked for Ardnamurchsn Lighthouse and finally it popped up from around a point.
Next we saw the Isle of Skye and the smaller isles if Eigg, Rhum, Muck, and Cana. Also saw Lunga, Staffa, Iona, and and Dutchman's Cap.
Our first stop was Coll--not much here it didn't seem, but supposedly there are 2 castles here. It's only 13 miles x 3 miles, but this island was the inspirational setting for the Katie Morag children's books. The few whitewashed cottages clustered around the harbor reminded me of illustrations from the books.
Next stop was Tiree which looked more interesting. Many more house, a church, and a long stretched out island that would probAbly be good for cycling. It also had some pretty white sand/shell beaches.
Barra was next and we sailed into Castlebay with a castle sitting right in the middle of the bay--hence the name. It had many houses and restaurants and hotels. Beautiful beaches and island.
Oh I forgotten to tell you--every time I hear an older Scottish gentlemen telling a story, he always starts to sound like Robin Williams in his Scottish golf routine. Look it up. It's hilarious. And every time I think of it I start laughing.
Something in the water caught my eye this afternoon and it turned out to be porpoises.
Right as I started to eat my spicy mackerel salad for lunch, the boat started pitch poling but it was okay. Never felt sick. Took an hours nap while the boat rocked.
We are having a bit if trouble with the language this trip. Ray has always trouble, but this time so am I. Here's how asking about dinner onboard the ferry went.
Ray asked: What time do you start serving dinner?
Oh it's right here, says the steward as he shows us the menu.
Yes but what time, asks Ray.
Now, he says. Ok so all the time? Ray says. Yes, the steward answers.
Now if we go down to get dinner at 5, I promise you he will say oh we don't serve dinner until 6.
On the menu it says:
Scottish burger of the day
And underneath it has 3 choices:
Scottish beef
Scottish lamb & haggis
Ardgay Venison
I chose a Scottish beef burger and am told that the burger today is the Scottish lamb and haggis. And it's really good, he says. So it's their choice not mine. I feel so stupid at times! I order a baked potato and I DO remember this time to call it a Jacket Potato--because it has its skin "jacket" on. Isn't that cute?! Can't help but think of Mr. Potato Head when I see it.
So interesting to see a poster that says: Come and celebrate the 1450th anniversary of St Columba's arrival on Iona. We don't have 1450 anniversaries if anything in America.
It was cool to see Neist Point lighthouse flashing its pattern as we pass by far away.
Will get back to apartment around 10 and collapse into bed. Wish I could study up to see the debate but it's not showing over here until 2 am!
Early morning ferry to the 3 islands:
Eilean Musdile Lighthouse in early morning:
Sunrise on the ferry:
Maybe Tobermory from the ferry:
Ardnamurchan Lighthouse:
Isle of Coll:
Courageous or crazy person with horse trailer, BACKING onto ferry:
Isle of Tyree:
Ferry sign in Gaelic:
Pulling into Castlebay, Isle of Barra:
Menu I told you about:
What happened here? Scrambled cars on ferry--on purpose?
Sunset on ferry:
Oban waterfront as our ferry arrives back to homeport:
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