Day Three

The ferry from Kilchoan to Tobermorey
Is it Tobermory or Balamory?
The waterfall at Eas Fors
Old friends!!
Rod Stewart's castle (or so Les had us believe!)

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Day Three (L):

A brilliant day today. We arose very early so that we could catch the 10.15 am ferry to Mull when we would decide whether to continue to Iona. The weather was pretty good, warm and calm so we did enquire about visiting Staffa and/or Iona but the tourism officer in Tobermory shook her head and said that we would be too pushed for time. So we followed a route around the northern part of Mull. What a surprise - such a range of vegetation and landscape - spectacular views - mountains, verdant pastures (a small number), lochs and waterfalls - the Eas Fors waterfall was perfection. We had great success on the wildlife front today - sea-eagles - one over Calgary Beach and a pair circling the sky overhead near the waterfall - absolutely thrilling, (black) hooded crows, a stag and finally our pine-martin made an appearance at 9.30 pm licking the marmalade from the pitta bread then scurrying away with the bread he hadn't eaten on the spot. We were all amazed at the size of him - 60-70 cm in length with a beautifully soft, dark brown coat. Once again we had warm, sunny weather.

Day Three (D):

Loved the crossing this morning from Kilchoan to Tobermory. Les chatted up (or was chatted up by, depending who's talking) two 19-year old boys before we got on the ferry. Tobermory was as colourful as Balamory is on TV: a beautiful sea-front with vivid house colours. We had a lovely coffee (and chocolate for Jim) there before setting off for our journey around the northern section of the island.

Day Three (J):

To conclude the day out we decided to go for a meal at the Salen Hotel, however the place was full at 7.30pm. After booking for the next evening we decided to stay for a pint before going for fish and chips at Acharacle. To maintain our success with food - the fish and chip shop was shut - our thanks are due to Martine for creating a meal from meagre ingredients.

Day Three (M):

Courgettes, tomatoes, onions and feta cheese... call that 'meagre'!! Anyway, my 'tian' creation was lovely even though I say so myself. A good way to end our perfect day. It's very difficult to think of a favourite moment as there were so many thrills but spotting the deer, seeing the eagles and discovering the stunning waterfalls were all highlights. Walking along the very brightly painted houses of Tobermory in the sunshine (warm enough for me to take my jumper off!) was a real bonus too.

Whilst our meal was cooking we had a great long chat with Nadine who phoned us to share the fact that she's having a brilliant time in our home. All her friends are there and the weather has been perfect all day. She sounded really happy - we are thrilled.

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Once again view extra photos at http://picasaweb.google.com/PapamanPicasa/4GoToScotlandDayThree