Good times for a change
That was probably the most relaxing and most enjoyable weekend I have had in years.
On Thursday, on the way up to Oban, I stopped at the Loch Awe hotel to see a spectacularly calm Loch reflecting light just as if it was a mirror, with a view to Kilchurn Castle which was looking proud in it's setting. Then in Oban, the Kimberley House Hotel has the most amazing decor and excellent views over the bay and beyond to Mull. I'm wondering if all their rooms are kitted out with a black and white theme, or if they knew I was coming. The mists surrounding Mull in evening and the morning after gave a sense of mystery and magic ahead.
The mists faded during the ferry journey and gave way to warm sunny weather and a smooth drive from Craignure to Balamory. I mean Tobermory. Not content with hanging around Tobermory for dinner, I used my google-fu to find a restaurant in the scenic village of Dervaig. Had a very large mixed platter of the best that Mull has to offer. Om nom. Then the mishnish in Tobermory for a soft drink. Sadly the place didn't have much going on (no bands, and not as friendly as I remember it was on previous visits).
Saturday was the drive down the west coast of Mull to Iona. A scenic rollercoaster ride. Had to keep my eyes out for the odd obstacle here and there, such as Shaun the Sheep, Highland Cow, hens, dogs, ducks, other cars. I loved it. Had to stop several times to take in the views.
After a short ferry ride from Fionnphort to Iona it was time for food. Sadly the Cullen Skink had finished at the Argyll hotel, so ended up with fish and chips instead at a very generic cafe type place. Made the most of my historic scotland membership by then visiting Iona Abbey. Then the fog arrived. All there was left was Iona, the sea had disappeared. Eventually it cleared and the ferry took us back and it was time to head back to Tobermory, by the main route. Mishnish again to see if it was better that night, then to a new place, MacGochans, which I preferred to the Mishnish.
Sunday was the Staffa and Treshnish Isles trip. A day I'll remember as one of, if not the best day I have ever had in my life. Staffa with its hexagonal rock formations and caves is out of this world. But the most wonderful thing was to get the chance to spend a couple of hours on Lunga with the Puffins. Nothing comes close to the feelings I had, lying down near the edge of a cliff with views out to a sparkling ocean and the nearby islands, surrounded by these friendly and inquisitive little birds. Every time I think of that experience I find myself smiling, like I am now. I want to do it again. I really would like my Mum to experience it when she's well enough.
Monday was Castle Day. Managed to squeeze in a trip to Glengorm Castle in the north, and Duart and Torosay in the south. All great castles worth a visit on a trip to Mull. Then it was time to catch the ferry and head back home.
Thankfully, Stephen Bathgates car did pretty well over the weekend, I had no trouble with it at all.
Oh, did I mention there'd be an urgent problem with a client while I was away? Well yes there was. A report wasn't appearing properly on an arts website and Visit Scotland were ready to get all stroppy about it if it wasn't fixed by Monday for a press release. Fortunately I had internet access and fixed the issue in two minutes.
:D
On Thursday, on the way up to Oban, I stopped at the Loch Awe hotel to see a spectacularly calm Loch reflecting light just as if it was a mirror, with a view to Kilchurn Castle which was looking proud in it's setting. Then in Oban, the Kimberley House Hotel has the most amazing decor and excellent views over the bay and beyond to Mull. I'm wondering if all their rooms are kitted out with a black and white theme, or if they knew I was coming. The mists surrounding Mull in evening and the morning after gave a sense of mystery and magic ahead.
The mists faded during the ferry journey and gave way to warm sunny weather and a smooth drive from Craignure to Balamory. I mean Tobermory. Not content with hanging around Tobermory for dinner, I used my google-fu to find a restaurant in the scenic village of Dervaig. Had a very large mixed platter of the best that Mull has to offer. Om nom. Then the mishnish in Tobermory for a soft drink. Sadly the place didn't have much going on (no bands, and not as friendly as I remember it was on previous visits).
Saturday was the drive down the west coast of Mull to Iona. A scenic rollercoaster ride. Had to keep my eyes out for the odd obstacle here and there, such as Shaun the Sheep, Highland Cow, hens, dogs, ducks, other cars. I loved it. Had to stop several times to take in the views.
After a short ferry ride from Fionnphort to Iona it was time for food. Sadly the Cullen Skink had finished at the Argyll hotel, so ended up with fish and chips instead at a very generic cafe type place. Made the most of my historic scotland membership by then visiting Iona Abbey. Then the fog arrived. All there was left was Iona, the sea had disappeared. Eventually it cleared and the ferry took us back and it was time to head back to Tobermory, by the main route. Mishnish again to see if it was better that night, then to a new place, MacGochans, which I preferred to the Mishnish.
Sunday was the Staffa and Treshnish Isles trip. A day I'll remember as one of, if not the best day I have ever had in my life. Staffa with its hexagonal rock formations and caves is out of this world. But the most wonderful thing was to get the chance to spend a couple of hours on Lunga with the Puffins. Nothing comes close to the feelings I had, lying down near the edge of a cliff with views out to a sparkling ocean and the nearby islands, surrounded by these friendly and inquisitive little birds. Every time I think of that experience I find myself smiling, like I am now. I want to do it again. I really would like my Mum to experience it when she's well enough.
Monday was Castle Day. Managed to squeeze in a trip to Glengorm Castle in the north, and Duart and Torosay in the south. All great castles worth a visit on a trip to Mull. Then it was time to catch the ferry and head back home.
Thankfully, Stephen Bathgates car did pretty well over the weekend, I had no trouble with it at all.
Oh, did I mention there'd be an urgent problem with a client while I was away? Well yes there was. A report wasn't appearing properly on an arts website and Visit Scotland were ready to get all stroppy about it if it wasn't fixed by Monday for a press release. Fortunately I had internet access and fixed the issue in two minutes.
:D