Rainy Day Fun in Tobermory - by Dale

We weren't able to schedule space in a wildlife tour today as we had hoped to have a last try to see the White-tailed eagles that are coming back from near extinction. We were close yesterday when we spent time in some good areas but the weather went from rain squall to bright sun and, while we had a great time, these huge and rare eagles eluded us. We did have other great sightings with our host Alan's help, including a pair of golden eagles on the ground with a rabbit kill.

The weather called for rain and heavy at times all today. We set our sights on exploring the town and had a fun and full time doing so. Fueled with another great breakfast we set out down the steep wet hill for the main town below. I had spotted a small laundrymat yesterday so we loaded all our dirties and were able to drop them off and spend the day wandering about. First stop, the volunteer marine rescue center where summaries of their busy rescue events give a feeling for what it can be like in rough seas and other problems. We decided to stay on dry land and move on to a very well stocked book store where we could have filled our luggage but opted to mostly write down titles for later and limit ourselves to a small but very good bird guide to Mull and Iona islands and a comprehensive map of the region. Both will help us plan future visits and save our backs.

A stormy day expected for our last time here today
 

We moved on to the tiny but detailed Marine Mammal Centre for a review of the many species here. I learned that there is a resident Orca population and read about the amount of plastic showing up from remote locations as well as listening to the sounds of Minke whales and other species. We squeezed into the tiny Mull museum next and the next thing we knew, several hours had gone by. This museum is a wealth of information on Mull and surrounding areas going back thousands of years in human habitation as well as much farther in the geologic record. An old fashioned museum with clippings and re-creations by hand so that models told the rich and diverse history of the area.

It was mid afternoon by the time we got to the harbor visitor center. We checked out the bus stop we will use tomorrow to get to the ferry to take us to the train station to take us to Glasgow. Laurie wanted to take the local whisky distillery tour and have a "wee dram" as is expected when visiting these parts. We managed to get the last two spaces for the last tour at 3:00 and headed off for a hot drink and snack. We also got an early reservation in for the Fish Cafe so that we could have another go at the huge and tasty menu there. Along the way back we discovered a hiking trail up into the woods along the cliffs near town. Now we had a dilemma of "Nature vs Whisky". The rainy conditions were factored in but up the muddy trail we went after weighing our options. We were rewarded with some great views and sightings and came back drenched and happy. Now it was time to pick up our clean laundry with just enough time to deliver the bundle back at the B&B grab a little rest and clean up for dinner. 

The Best Fish Resturant in Britain is not much to look at outside
 

We got to the cafe as it opened after negotiating a deal of staying for less than the full two hours allotted per table. We noted that we may be rookies in Scotland but when it comes to excellent food we are pros at such situations. Our great meal included Laurie's favorite cider and my bottle of "Red Monk" Mull beer. This will be as close to the Isle of Iona where the monk is famous for a key role in bringing Christianity to Scotland as we get on this trip. We've got it high on the list for next time instead based on recommendations from those who have been there.

Wise words we try to follow as well as an unusual way to advertise great food!
 

All packed now and ready for our early departure, we looked back and realized that our "slow mostly unorganized day" was anything but that! I've added more photos from today here.