PART FIVE - Staffa, Fingal's cave and Iona.
Staffa, Fingal's Cave,
the Puffins and Iona.
Although the rain abated while we ate our early breakfast, I knew I was missing a treat on the drive to Phionnphort because Sue had done it years ago, and told me about it.The mountains are EPIC around here on a clear day - so I was bitterly disappointed not to be seeing them.
But, were we downhearted? - A bit!
We parked up, and boarded our trip boat for Staffa.
The bosun supplied oilskins (just in case) but, by now, things were improving. Not to the extent we could see much in the distance, but at least we were dry.
On the trip out, the bosun pointed out various seabirds and, when he spotted a lone seal on a rock, made a slight detour for us to get a closer view.
They look so awkward sometimes when lying like this.
No sun - but a sing-song cheered us up :-)
Like I said - the clag was still down, BUT it did seem to be clearing slowly.
Approaching a misty Staffa.
This guy's dog was getting excited - but of course, they have to be kept under close control on the protected island.
We alighted- and were advised to be VERY careful. Also the bosun said to do Fingal's cave first, as we may run out of time after climbing up to the Puffin observation place.
The walk in across the basalt columns.
The trip company had thoughtfully put some non-slip tops on some of the flat stones (but you still had to be VERY careful!)
The light was, shall we say, tricky for photo's, but the overall effect of this place was still mind-boggling!
Inside Fingal's cave.
A place I've wanted to visit since falling in love with Mendelssohn's 'Hebrides overture' at school. Now - here I was!
Sue was excited too - many, many years had passed since her Dad bought her here. I'd taken her to The Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland, as this basalt phenomenon runs all the way there , beneath the Irish Sea. You can read about that here;
That island of columns behind me was just incredible!
Nature is just so wonderful!
A topographic plate on the top gave information on Staffa and surrounding views (of which, there were none today).
The island was gifted to the National Trust as recently as 1986. The American owner did it for his wife's birthday.
We saw lots of Shag on the rocks, but what we were REALLY here to see was Puffins!
The boat pulled offshore to wait for us while we explored.The rock strata on Staffa is just CRAZY - I've never seen anything else like it.
Come on Les - keep up!
The 'raft' of Puffins. The trip people had placed a red marker on the cliff, this was the best place to stand, they said. They were right!
We were told to look out for this raft, and be patient, then maybe.....just MAYBE.....
First, one flew up to the cliffs....then another.... then another.
It was an absolutely MAGICAL experience.
The start of the rush!
Billing and cooing with each other, before entering their burrow.
Up close and personal with these comical little birds was a lovely thing. They seemed almost tame, just standing there, looking up at us and making that cute 'awwwww' noise. 💓
They just went about their nest-building duties, oblivious to us.
All too soon, it was time to return to the boat. What a GREAT trip this had been - despite the weather (it could have been worse though). We won't forget this experience in a hurry!
No oilskins needed on the return trip.
Now, it was the turn of Iona.
The boat calls at Iona anyway, so you're given the opportunity to deboard and catch a later boat back to Phionnphort, which we decided to do.
Iona
We hadn't got much time on the island, so only managed to walk the east side. First though, we were peckish, so went into the cafe on the dock. We ordered fish chowder, not expecting great things, as we were a captive audience, but I have to say- it was the BEST fish chowder I've ever had! All served up with big chunks of fresh brown bread, and BUTTER!
This is Iona abbey, the late John Smith, leader of the labour party, is laid to rest on Iona. It's easy to miss his grave and headstone, as it's a very simple thing. This is what Wikipedia says;
On 20 May 1994, following a public funeral service in Cluny Parish Church, Edinburgh, which was attended by almost 1,000 people, Smith was buried in a private family service on the island of Iona, at the sacred burial ground of Reilig Odhráin, where many early Scottish and Norse kings are said to be buried.
Inside St Oran's chapel.
The sun had decided to come out, and things were REALLY heating up! We decided to walk to the beaches at the north end of the island, famed as they are for their likeness to the sands of the Caribbean.
I know what Sue's thinking - she'd LOVE to get in there for a swim!
Iona gallery and pottery.
I DO wonder how they make a living out here?
The little harbour and jetty, quiet today.
After a short wait on the quay, the ferry arrived and we returned to Phiannphort for the drive back to Craignure and the ferry onwards to Oban. With visibility greatly improved, I was treated to some of the views I'd missed this morning.
Leaving the sun behind, streaking through the clouds, we left Craignure and pressed on back to Oban, for our return to our caravan, which we left at the Seaview site.
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