ISLAND HOPPING Day - Seven
A much more sensible start today, after yesterdays early start. We even had time for a great breakfast in the B&B.
As the first ferry over to Kerrera, on a Sunday is at 10.30, we decided to leave that for another day, and caught the ferry from Oban over to the Isle of Mull. Another large ferry but only a quick 45 minute voyage. Headed south from Craignure, and within two miles the road had narrowed down to single lane with frequent passing places. Apart from the main road across the top of the island over to Tobermory, most of the roads are single track. I was heading for Fionnphort at the southern end of the island, where the ferry over to Iona was, as well as the next B&B. Having plenty of time, or so we thought, we took several side roads, and had a look around. Back on the main road,I use that term very loosely, in a couple of places they had diverted away from old bridges, putting in new concrete bridges with no character at all.
Quite liked this one, when I first saw it the hills were lit up by glorious sunshine, but by the time I had stopped got the car off the road and ran back, the sun decided to hide away.
It is strange sometimes how things link up. One of the Set subjects for next winters camera club competitions is transport, so obviously I have been looking for suitable subjects. Driving around a corner I suddenly saw what I was looking for. There was a bit of a pull in off the side of the road, and there was off to the left a magnificent vista. A huge great valley, a large loch in the bottom, and in the far distance several large mountains raising up from the loch, all covered in heather and various coloured vegetation. It was a fabulous view. But what made it special was a cyclist had just stopped, to get a photograph, she was touring with all the panniers and such like. I instantly saw the shot, taken from behind her, including the bike, of her taking a photograph of the wonderful view. In my mind it was just what I was looking for, transport, the bike, and the story of the traveller recording the amazing scene. I mentioned this to Jane, she said go back then, I said there is no where to turn round. I kept driving, still kicking myself. I should have stopped.
Continued on to Fionnphort, parked the car and went over to the Isle of Iona. One of the first things I heard was another Corncrake, then we had a brief shower, so nipped int the shops. Iona is quite a busy tourist destination, the coaches must have fun driving down the 36 miles of single track, and then back again as there are no large hotels down on the island. There are about 120 residents on Iona, but around 130,000 a year visit, but it did not seem crowded.
The rain stopped and we walked up to the Nunnery, dating back to the 14th century the ruins are very interesting and provide loads of photo opportunities. The rain started again, heavier this time, and it looked like it was set to continue so we made our way back to the ferry, and then found the B&B. The owner is a great host, and made all the guests afternoon tea with biscuits, and served it in the large lounge. Several of us planned to go down to the pub for tea, as it was still throwing it down, I offered two ladies who had used the bus to get here a lift down to save them getting soaked. I also offered Erika a lift, she was a Swiss girl on a cycling holiday. Yes you guessed, she was the cyclist in the photograph I never took. She shared our table and we had a very pleasant evening and wonderful food.
Islands Visited; Two
Total visited; Fourteen
Ferries Used; Three
Total used; Twenty One
Ports Used; Four
Total Different; Twenty One
To see the rest of todays shots just follow the links.....
http://365project.org/markp/Alternatively/17-05-2015
Thank you for taking the time to view and for your lovely comments and favs.
