Our journey south took us to London
where for a few days we enjoyed warm springlike days
but our departure from London was in snowy, wintry conditions.
Thankfully the journey north was uncomplicated.
Our arrival in Glasgow by train was to time.
There was even time for a cuppa.
Overrunning roadworks meant congestion.
The coach to Oban had to divert briefly on to the M8.
The view across the city was characterised by a warm glow.
The glow from the sunset accompanied us as far as Loch Lomond.
In spite of deeply rutted roads the coach arrived in Oban on time.
Our stay there was comfortable even if it was very brief.
The reason – the ferry for Tiree sailed at 7:15am.
This required an early breakfast.
It was chilly as we made our way to the Ferry Terminal.
The rising sun was casting its golden glow.
Oban Bay was like a mill pond.
For the month of March it was an idyllic morning.
Sunshine followed us all the way home.
The water was calm and mirror like.
It was a morning you wanted to be out on deck.
Before sailing the upper deck of the vessel was frosty.
But provided you stood towards the stern it was pleasantly warm.
Mountain peaks, castles, lighthouses and ferries,
all add considerable interest to the crossing
and provide markers along the way.
We were homeward bound and
Skipinnish, with their high energy Celtic music
alongside superb vocals and brilliant musicianship
have a very popular song and album called ‘Western Ocean’.
Western Ocean, seas of foam
Carry me out and take me home
Up the sound and past Ardmore
To the land of grain and silver shore.
The ‘MV Clansman’ was still in dry dock.
She entered there for her annual overhaul.
Unfortunately her propeller needs replacing.
It was reportedly damaged while entering the dock.
With our dedicated vessel needing surgery
we are appreciating the ‘MV Lord of the Isles’
and we can report that her crew are friendly and helpful.
At Ardmore Point you leave the Sound of Mull.
In front are the waters of the Little Minch.
Our journey is down the Passage of Tiree.
We are getting close to home.
Soon familiar landmarks greet us.
There are the Treshnish Isles and Ben More.
But before Tiree, the ferry first visits the lovely Isle of Coll.
In just under four hours we enter the waters of Gott Bay
The Isle of Tiree has been in view for the last hour.
What a perfect day to make the crossing.
What a great day to step ashore.
We are home.
This is ‘Life on Tiree’
and for many on the Isle of Tiree
travel by ferry is entwined with island life.
PS:
One Tiree resident has kindly written, ‘Get Well Soon Clansman’.
On Tiree, while we have appreciate the ‘MV Lord of the Isles’
we look forward to the Clansman’s discharge from hospital
and seeing her homeward bound for Tiree.
