MULL REST DAY - VISIT TO IONA AND STAFFA

TRIP TO IONA AND STAFFA

FRIDAY 29^TH MAY 2015

Having arrived on Mull yesterday by ferry from Kichoan on Ardnamurchan we completed the first half of our planned coast walk from Tobermory to Craignure. We had planned to have a ‘rest day’ on Mull as we wanted to make the most of our time here to visit Iona and Fingal’s Cave on Staffa. We had phoned and pre-booked seats on the boat which sails from Iona to Staffa. After breakfast we set off for the drive to Fionnphort where we parked the minibus and crossed on the ferry to Iona. There is something peaceful and spiritual about Iona and you can understand why people love to visit.

CLICK ON IMAGE TO ENLARGE

: Pier at Fionnphort, Mull

: Stewart and George on Iona ferry

: Panoramic shot from ferry heading to Iona

: Looking north up the Sound of Iona from the ferry

: Iona Abbey from the ferry

: Iona Abbey from the ferry

: Maclean’s cross Iona

: John Smith’s grave Iona

: Iona Abbey

: The Iolaire on the left at the pier on Iona

: George, Phil and Bill waiting to board

After our walk about on Iona we made our way to the pier where we boarded our boat,the wood constructed ‘Iolaire’, for the trip to Staffa. The skies were blue and the sun was shining when we cast off for the one hour sail . The sea was quite choppy which made the trip more fun even though we were soaked by one or two waves breaking over the bows. Staffa was amazing with its incredible geology with geometrical rock pillars and stones. It’s not hard to understand how Felix Mendelssohn got his inspiration for his Fingal’s Cave in the Hebrides Overture. There were no Puffins to be seen onshore but on reboarding the boat our ‘skipper’ Davie very kindly sailed to an area just off the island where we viewed and photographed dozens in the sea. The sail back was as enjoyable as the trip out with more waves damping us down. ‘Skipper’ Davie really made the trip enjoyable with his wealth of information and humour. Visiting Staffa and Fingal’s cave was a fabulous, unforgettable experience and we were delighted we had taken time to fit it in.

CLICK ON IMAGE TO ENLARGE