Tuesday 2nd September - Craignure
Off to Mull via Oban, long but scenic drive. Should visit Oban CCC site again as it was well placed for walks. The ferry to Craignure went smoothly, which is just as well as I was first on - eek! The campsite at the other end was right on the shoreline, and I stocked up at the shops and watched the ferries come and go.
Thursday 4th - Calgary
Quick visit to Tobermory before getting the bus to Calgary Bay and back - oh my word it was lovely. Glad I didn't drive and could gawp out of the window all the way. The campsite was high above the town, and a parade of classic cars passed by the entrance (eventually).
Friday 5th - Staffa
I walked down to the harbour and boarded a boat trip to Staffa, and Fingal's cave. The sea was a bit rough going out but I was OK thankfully. Walked to the mouth of the cave - the geology was fascinating. On the return trip we saw seals, and dolphins with young. Also Manx Shearwaters. 
Got absolutely soaked on the walk back up to the campsite. Also found out that all the Islay ferries were booked up - so won't be able to get there on this trip. Never mind, another day perhaps.
Saturday 6th - Iona
The long, long drive to Fionnphort, mostly single track. Much higher ground than I expected in the centre of the island. Having to pull over every quarter of a mile really extended the travel time. Great views but no-where to stop for photos.
Had a crab sandwich for lunch at the harbour. The weather was blowing up, and various ferries were posting yellow warnings, but was able to get on the Iona ferry as a foot passenger. Started with a migraine, so I must be relaxed (grrr). Iona was very peaceful and interesting - John Smith is buried there, it is the place that Scottish kings have been buried for generations. The main attraction is the Abbey, and I got in free with my English Heritage card - result!
The ferry back was busier as many people were leaving to avoid being stranded. Lovely tea and cake with the coach drivers in the cafe when I got back. There was some sort of kerfuffle on the beach, apparently a visit from Greta Thunberg and Climate Justice, although I can't find anything to substantiate this!
I'd managed to grab the last spot at the Port nan Gael campsite, and joy of joys it had a laundromat! It texted me when my smalls were dry - there's progress. Masses of swallows and martins swooping around.
Sunday 7th - Craignure again
Before leaving Port nan Gael I managed to blow the electrics with my cheap electric hob. A bang, flames, and everything. Now I know where the fuses are :-) so another learning experience courtesy of the Wildax Facebook group. Just got away in time, and drove to Duart castle.
Picked up some elderly (and posh) gents who were hitchhiking - but should have been walking with their wives! The castle was mildly interesting, and bumped into the owner on the stairs. It's been the setting for several films.
Pitched up at the same place in Craignure, but had to abandon the planned walk as heavy rain set in.
