GiGi got run over by a Puegot (almost)
Unlike yesterday, the light leaking through our blinds and curtains was bright and sunny. As grey and wet as yesterday was, today was beautiful and bright. I headed downstairs to prepare breakfast, with the great assistance of Rosanna on Toast and Fruit Salad. We had bought real Parmesano Reggiano at the store yesterday, and it was actually much cheaper than the fake Parmesan we get in the US. So, I grated some into the eggs, and on the roasted tomatoes and bacon. It was a good breakfast.
Afterward, we jumped into the car to head to the ferry to take us to Iona. There were a few driving route options, and we chose a scenic view along the coast. We could actually see the Treshinish Islands that we visited yesterday, that had been clouded in rain and mist. We continued to stop and photograph every sheep we could track down. We started seeing waterfalls that had been enhanced by yesterdays monsoon. As we headed back inland, we started seeing lots of people stopped, using binoculars to see something.. We could never really tell what they were looking at.
As we rounded a turn, we saw a lovely old bridge with highland coos visible through the bridge arches. Carrie wanted me to stop so she could get out and take pics. Walt joined her. In my rearview mirror, I saw a car barreling towards us. I guess I thought everyone was fully out, so I moved forward to find a place to park while they took pictures. Unfortunately, Walt was just letting go of his seatbelt, and his open car door slammed shut by banging into Carrie. I saw them both in the mirror looking at me with shock. I was just glad they were both standing.
I think every trip has at least one event that I will never live down, and nearly running Carrie and Walt over will fit the bill for this one. At least they were both ok. Later, I did ask Walt if we were still friends. He was gracious in his forgiveness.
Eventually, we made it to Fionnphort, where we would take the short ferry to Iona. It ran regularly, so we just waited for it to arrive, so we could get on. The weather was amazing, so we sat up top to take whatever pictures we could in the short trip.
Once we docked, we walked up the hill to explore. First off, we went through the nunnery ruins. They were interesting, but small. We kept on towards the Abbey. When Carrie and I were here in 2006, I bought a silver Celtic ring at a handmade jewelry shop here. Pat wanted some silver jewelry, so we went up to check it out. Unfortunately, they were out of my ring, and that is what Carrie and Pat wanted as well. So, we got our fingers sized, and can order when their silversmith has them back in stock.
From there, we went to Iona’s Abbey. It has been in constant use as a place of worship since the 6th century, though this building has only been there since the 12th (sarcasm intended). It is awesome that it is still active as a worship community. We walked around, took photos in the museum, and found the gift shop.
We started our walk back, and just missed lunch at the St. Columba’s Hotel, and found a nice little cafe for lunch. Although, in normal fashion, Carrie got the last Pasty they had, which is what Walt and Rosanna wanted too. They settled for a yummy scone.
We started our walk back to the ferry, and rode back to get our car. We had a 2 hour drive back to our home, and decided to grab some extra food instead of going out for dinner. On the way back, we took the scenic route again, and with the beautiful weather, really enjoyed the drive.
Back at home, we are preparing simple dinner, and enjoying our last evening here on Mull. We are almost done with the Scotland leg, and will have a few days upcoming in Iceland. I know we are all enjoying it, but it is nice to rest here tonight.