Today dawned bright, which came as a relief after yesterday's cold, wet weather. Everything about the hostel was good apart from the heating - the 'lady what runs it' turned the boiler on for a couple af hours in the early evening but then it went off. Understandably the controls were under lock & key, so there was nothing for it but to put on more layers.
Later in the evening we were joined by another visitor - Marianne, a surfer, doctor and Médecins sans Frontières volunteer who has recently been working in Pakistan. She was a very bright, interesting character with lots of stories to tell.
Breakfast consisted of: a Shredded Wheat scrounged off Marianne + some milk that had been left in the fridge; a boiled egg (the egg was also found in the fridge); and some fresh toast & marmalade (our purchase from the co-op). We left the Flora spread and marmalade for future visitors.
Then began our Tour of Tiree (anti-clockwise). We found a steep hill (not easy on Tiree), some beautiful silver beaches, a fine café run by a local farming family (3 lambs bottle-fed while we were there; Malteser Slice to die for); an excellent museum/exhibition on the Treshnish Isles; then the café again for lunch.
Tiree was growing on me now after an unimpressive start yesterday. Part of the problem was the main village of Scarinish - our first encounter was in the cold and wet, but nevertheless (and I apologise to the people I may offend) it is a far-from-inspiring place. The Scarinish Hotel is SO run-down, and although the co-op serves a vital purpose it's hardly exciting.
But much of Tiree is lovely, despite being so flat, and the shoreline is heavenly. Having failed to find a telephone signal anywhere (or a tree for that matter, though that isn't relevant just now) I hypocritically sat by the door of the Scarinish Hotel to use their free wifi to send a few messages (shame!)
Then off to the NE end of the island, past the stunning beach at Gott Bay, looking at Lapwing chicks, Oystercatchers, Linnets, Ringed Plovers and so forth on the way. The island's other hotel - The Tiree Lodge - appears to be closed for renovation, although there wasn't much sign of any renovation actually being done, to be honest.
Finally back to the ferry terminal. We are now on the Clansman heading back to Oban, ETA 2205. Give us a wave if we pass you by!
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