Last minute packing of loads of carrier bags with bits in, drives me mad usually but I was fine this morning. I don’t know where it all comes from, so much more than when we arrived. My tray of Alpines doesn’t help.
Empty roads all the way to Fort William, most unexpected. Lovely sunshine, 4C and no wind meant that the many lochs we passed were mirror calm, the reflections of the trees, snow-capped mountains and, once, a fairy-tale turreted castle, stunning.
Still plenty of snow on the Ben Nevis range as we approached Fort William and Morrison’s. We fill up with petrol here and buy a help yourself salad box lunch. Actually, we also had a hot pie breakfast - it was delicious - chicken for Pam, steak for me and a hot drink to go. We like Costa best, luckily, it’s commonly available up here, in small village stores.
We only had to wait five minutes for the Corran ferry, the crossing is short, it only takes another five minutes. We turn right whereas most of the traffic goes left to Lochaline. This enables us to view the Black Guillemots on their less than salubrious perch under a rusty jetty and, to make our own speed to the Lochaline ferry.
Such a beautiful drive, Ardnamurchan at its best. Lochs, mountains and moor bathed in sunshine, every few minutes a new and breathtaking picture. We also saw two Golden Eagles, thanks to Pam. The first an adult, soaring high over the hillside, the second an even more distant immature, pale wing patches diagnostic. Majestic.
I began to be concerned that we were not meeting a line of traffic coming the other way, on this single track road. Was the ferry running? Yes it was - it was on a mid morning gap. Only 25 minutes to wait, not bad at all. Time to stretch our legs and hear a Garden Warbler. This crossing is longer, taking 20 minutes. Ours took longer as the very low tide meant that the captain had several attempts at lowering the ramp, getting the angle wrong and raising it before trying again. Pam asked one of the helpers if he needed L plates.
Lovely Mull. Grasspoint the traditional first port of call, where the first Mull Sea Eagles bred over 30 years ago.
Only one of the original pair remains, not a reliable site any longer. At least three Tree Pipits en route, Stonechat, Red Deer amongst the Highland Cattle, celandine covered banks and very few birds to-day. Only a short stop before starting back for the main road. As we were descending a very steep and winding hill towards the eagle nest site wood, Pam spotted a big yellow beak sticking out from the treetops. nowhere to stop until the view was even worse.
Reaching Bunessan, we detoured to Uisken, on a road in terrible condition, potholed, uneven and rough. The bay at the end is lovely, even at low tide. A Great Northern Diver dived near the rocks surrounding this horseshoe shaped bay. Pam went for a walk, we both saw Linnets but not the usual Twite this time.
Rooks are only found on Iona - one had apparently visited the mainland on a day trip.
A quick visit to Fidgen before parking at Seaview, our home for the next three nights. Warmly greeted by John and Jane, they look after us well, minimum luggage carried in, a cup of tea, finding that the internet isn’t working! The Post Office has had trouble all day too.
The salad meant for lunch had not been eaten, we took it to Fidgen camp site where we enjoyed it for supper, looking out over the incoming sea. Seals sported in the bay, Whimbrel flew restlessly overhead, uttering their whinnying whistle, seeking a safe perching place,
 | |
| Whimbrel - against the sun |
 | |||||
| Hooded Crow |
As the tide came in, evening starting to cast longer shadows, Pam noticed a lone Mountain Hare feeding amongst the rocks on the other side of the bay. They have long ears but not as long as those of the Brown Hare. This one had lost its winter coat, turning a rich chocolate brown.
 | |
| Spot the Mountain Hare |
Still no internet access, shall have to copy and paste this to-morrow.
Yes!. 9.00 p.m. we have access
No comments:
Post a Comment