Hmm, a bit near to the railway line!

 Aug 7th

We left Mull today, I felt there was much more to see on this Isle, but this relentless rain has dampened our enthusiasm.  I can't remember a trip away that has been so awful with the weather, starting in Shetland, continuing in Orkney, then Mull and now back on the mainland, and yes, we should expect some rain 'Op North, but this was ridiculous. 

From where our pitch was, we could watch the ferry come and go.

The ferry from Craignure left at 11 am. Such a short journey from the camp site, no more than 5 minutes. We drove through mini floods and rivers of water running down the road.

 

We boarded on time, found a seat by the window, Ian went to the café and returned with two egg and bacon butties and a big mug of tea each. Just before the ferry docked, I braved the howling gale and horizontal rain to take a couple of photos.

Choppy seas and high winds

Oban in the distance

Once off the ferry, it was difficult to know where to go. Oban was more like the M25, a big car park! It took almost 40 minutes to get out of the place, for once we thanked the Sat Nav for her directions.  Once free of the town, the main road was almost clear.  Our direction was towards Glencoe, but we were to go the A85 route toward Dalmally, not the A828 towards Fort William. On route, another of those Revolution Washing Machines had been accidentally found at a petrol station. We decided to stop and get a wash load out of the way. It gave an opportunity to see what else there was to do in this part of Scotland, and Kilchurn Castle popped up. By the time we arrived, it was nearly 4 pm. As we pulled into the car park, noticed a sign stating overnight parking was permitted for £10. A warden would come around later to collect the fee. That would do for today. I could catch up on the Olympics, and we would walk to the castle tomorrow.

Yeah...a brief but welcome glimpse of the sun

Having settled down, tuned in the TV and kettle was on, suddenly a load whistle was heard. Oh, no...we knew what that was. The railway ran right next to this car park, and a crossing (although for rail staff only) was but yards away. 

 If we hadn't been so tired and with nowhere else to stop for miles, we may have left, but our decision was to stay. It didn't appear to be a main line so hopefully not too many trains. Will we regret our decision to stay? Hmm, I'll let you know tomorrow!