ISLAND HOPPING Day - Ten
Last night we found a great Bed and Breakfast in Tobermory, run by a lady who is 72, does not look it.
Over breakfast we discussed what the plans for today were. I had a B&B already booked for tonight, one I had visited last year when I was cycling up around here, and I liked the food so wanted to return. The question was, was I going to find another half an island or have a more relaxed day, after chasing ferries and islands for the last few days. There is a island, Calve Island in the bay that forms Tobermory harbour. I wondered if there was a boat to take me out there, even suggested I could swim out to it. Our Land Lady, who's husband was an ex Lifeboat man, said that if I went down into the local park, it was possible to swim over. I did not really treat this as a serious suggestion, and as we either caught the 9.30 ferry or waited till 11 o'clock we rushed off. We got to the pier at 9.35, should have been there by 9.20 to check in, no worries though, as the ferry was still tied up on the the other side of the pier. Island time seems a bit flexible. While I was sat in the car, I had a look at the map and realised that at one point Calve Island is actually not that far from Mull, and I was quite capable of swimming across. Too late now, but maybe next time.
We landed at Kilchoan, on the Ardnamurchan Peninsula, and watched the ferry, Calmac's MV Loch Linnhe, load up and head back to Tobermory, this is the shot above. The hill to the left is on Ardnamurchan, the two to the right are on the Isle of Mull.
Not in a hurry our next destination was Ardnamurchan Lighthouse, this is has a lovely cafe and an exhibition.
Built in 1849, with pink Granite from Mull, it was designed by Alan Stevenson, the uncle of the more well known, Robert Louis Stevenson. It is sited on the most Westerly Point of mainland Britain. After coffee and cake, and a play with the friendly Sheep Dogs that live there, we headed else where. We saw and went into what must be the most Westerly 24 hour shop. It is run by the local community, and has Jams and preserves, fresh local vegetables and herbs, and plants and seedlings for sale. Everything is priced, you weigh your own veg, and write down what you are buying in a little book, with the cost and then post the money into a little honesty box. Neat idea.
We reached Sanna Bay, just north of the lighthouse, it is a stunningly beautiful very large sandy beach with lovely clear and clean waters. The sun was blazing down, and I decided to go swimming there. Left Jane taking photos, walked back to the car for my stuff, and then back down to the beach. Got changed and said to Jane, to keep an eye on me, just in case, although I did think it was safe to swim there. What she could have done I am not sure, we had no phone coverage and she is not much of a swimmer.
I got in the water and could not believe the temperature ! It was not cold, I had expected to feel a bit of a shock as I entered but no, it felt quite mild. I was very surprised, I am wondering if the coast up here is washed by the tail end of the Gulf Stream. I have swum in much chillier waters off Wales and the Orkney's. After a very pleasant 25-30 minutes, I got out, and looked to see Jane lying in the sun on the rocks, fast asleep !!! So much for emergency back up.
Headed slowly towards the B&B at Salen, enjoying the scenery and wildlife. We saw quite a few Deer and several Golden Eagles, it was a nice change of pace after the last few days. Lovely meal and friendly company in the bar later. Tomorrow heading home, and maybe one more island on the way.
Islands Visited; One
Total Visited: Seventeen and a Half
Ferries Used: One
Total Used: Twenty Seven
Ports Used; Two
Total Different; Twenty Five
To see the rest of todays shots just follow the links....
http://365project.org/markp/Alternatively/20-05-2015
To everyone who takes the time to view, and who leaves lovely comments and Favs, a big Thank You.
