The wind howling up the valley on Monday brought to mind a walk we did earlier this year:-
It's a long drive from anywhere to Fionnphort Jetty and on arrival it seemed rather deserted and doubtful that the ferry would be running in such winds. But lo and behold seconds later a ferry comes into view rolling and tossing in the heavy seas, it quickly grinds onto the ramp and we all manage to dodge waves to get aboard, last man a bit behind as he has been changing his shoes. A shirtsleeved captain appears on the bridge gesturing " get on the f...... ferry" he shouts. And off we go. 15 mins later we are on The Island of Iona.
A gentle walk through the ruins of the old nunnery with its beautiful coloured stonework to the abbey. Huge carved crosses near the entrance and a sense of peace and tranquillity inside. Lunch in the beautiful cloisters, sheltered from the wind.
Now it's out into the teeth of the gale to walk to the other coast. The road past a farm and some crazy men working on a roof ends at a gate, beyond which is probably the most exposed golf course in the country. No fairway or greens here just sand blown off the beach with a couple of tattered flags sticking out of it. Down onto the beach and the unbridled power of the sea - wow.
An easier return with the wind behind us. Will the ferry still be running the wind seems stronger than ever? Sure enough the man in the shirtsleeves surfs in on a wave drops his bow door and this time we are on in seconds and back we go. GOOD OLD CALMAC!
Mike