3 Miscellaneous Bits From Mull

 Because we opted to stay in Oban rather than on Mull (really, we love both- it was just a decision), we had to take the CalMac ferry from Oban to Craignure and a coach/bus from Craignure to Fionnphort, where our tour boat was to set off. 

That means we had an hour each direction to look out and admire how beautiful Mull is in the summer!

(Mull in October) 

Warning: images with an asterisk were taken through the coach/bus windows. 

*Highland cattle (Highland coo) with a BABY!

 Fionnphort harbour.

 While we were on Lunga our boat crew caught these mackerel.

 Back at Fionnphort Harbour.

We had some down time as we waited for some statements to be made to the police.

 While we waited, a crabbing boat (I know no terminology) came into to dock. 

 I kind of felt sorry for the crabberman (crab+fisherman?) being unexpectedly photographed by a handful of tourists, but it was interesting to watch.

 *Views over Mull.

 *

 *This is a two-way road. That little notch to the left is a passing place, for one vehicle to pull over and wait for opposing traffic to pass, or for a slow vehicle to allow other vehicles to overtake (pass).

 *More Highland cattle!

*Isn't Mull beautiful?!?!

After another dinner at Cuan Mor, a fantastic restaurant in Oban that serves Oban Brewery beer, we left the next morning to head home.  Don't worry, though- we made several stops along the way!

Tomorrow? The prettiest kirk (church in Scotland) either of us has EVER seen!

2 Iona

 The Isle of Iona sits less than a mile from Fionnphort, Mull. In fact, Fionnphort seems to exist solely to house a handful of B&Bs, some free-range sheep, and the every-half-hour ferry across to Iona.

We didn't have much time on Iona, due to the circumstances of the day. However, we did the best with the time we had. 

 Iona Nunnery was established in 1203, but fell into disrepair soon after the reformation. The walls are made from pink granite.

 We passed some scarecrows... yep.

 Iona Abbey was first established by St. Columba after he set off from Ireland to bring Christianity to the Picts. The monastery was originally in wood, but was first erected in stone around 1200. 

 Heavy restoration was done in the first half of the 20th century, but the work held true to the original structure.

 I love the unusually shaped windows!

 Not a bad pulpit chair!

 This little room was off to the side of the main door.  The entryway was very short, as were many of the side-room entries at the abbey.

 The remains of a fire surround. 

 A home on Iona. Mine...?

 As we boarded our boat to return to Mull, a flock of seagulls came by to see us off!

Come back tomorrow for some pictures from Mull!

4 Staffa

 Last week ended with two posts on our stop at Lunga, the largest of the Treshnish Isles. (I and II)
Just to refresh your memory, we were on the Wildlife Cruise, Treshnish Isles, and Staffa Tour with Gordon Grant Marine Boat Tours.

After we left Lunga we proceeded on to the highlight of our trip and the entire reason for our return to this area (although we'll take any reason to head back to Scotland, really!): Staffa and Fingal's Cave. 

We weren't able to get out to Staffa back in October 2010, as the winds were too high- but you'll notice that this time, despite the terrible forecast, we couldn't have had better skies!

Our first true views of Staffa from the boat!

 This cave is the one in the center of the rock in the above image- it's called "Boat Cave."

 Fingal's Cave! And tourists!

 I want a sailboat. Oh, and someone who knows how to sail. 

 As we got off the boat, this was our view to the left. You can see the "path" to Fingal's Cave on the right, and an outcropping of the hexagonal basalt columns on the left.

 Jellyfish!

 While this rock is natural, it was placed so favorably that it almost felt like the display at a museum: "Here's a sample of what you'll see ahead in the cave..."

 Fingal's Cave! Also known as the hardest place to photograph in bright sunlight. Ever.
The cave's legend says it was created by the giant Finn/Fingal (Irish/Scottish) during the same period as Northern Ireland's Giant's Causeway.
(The legend is under the link for Giant's Causeway.)

 The sea crashing through the cave (it extends across this end of the island) inspired Felix Mendelssohn to compose his Hebrides Overture.  After we got home we listened to it- and understood. 

Jellyfish! Can you believe how clear the water is here?!

Oh, hiiiiiii!
Yep. I wore my trusty Hunters!

This is the path you walk to get to the cave. The railing is on the cliff side... tourists walk on the seaside.

Another view of the basalt columns. The Vikings gave Staffa its name, meaning "pillar," as it reminded them of their vertical-log designed cabins.

The top of the island is green and beautiful.

This flower/plant grows on the rocks, with the lichen. I have no clue what it is, but it's pretty!

A local came out to say hi.

Next we headed over to Iona!