More Iona

I think I might like to live here...

or here...

And I would definitely need a pair of these!

Iona Abbey

I think I can, I think I can

We are currently watching a Harry Potter flick, which reminded me that we need to continue with our string of blogs from the west coast adventure. We saw the train and track that is featured in the films. It was pretty cool, even though we didn't get a great view. Just the excitement of waiting for the train to peak out from behind the hills, and then hearing the train chug away before it actually came into view was enough to make us glad we made the quick trip from Oban to the Glenfinnan Viaduct.


After seeing the train, we climbed up the Glenfinnan Monument to catch a different view of the viaduct.



A classic Scottish day...beautiful in its unique way

Boys will be boys

Nothing captures their attention like Top Gear!

Reflections

Oh, the places you'll go...

Time on the water

We had one of the most beautiful days I have ever seen in Scotland while we were on the west coast, and it couldn't have come at a better time - the day we were on the water. Our day entailed: First, a large ferry from Oban to the Isle of Mull (see below), a bus ride across mull to the launching point called Fionnphort, where we got on a smaller boat with about 10 others to see the Isle Staffa. From Staffa we went directly to Iona where we stayed for about two and a half hours (and then we reversed the trip by going back to Mull straight from Iona.



This is our view from the ferry as we went from Oban to Mull. At this point is was still before eight in the morning, and you can see how bright it was at this point. It never changed throughout the day!


Here is Kelli on the smaller boat to Staffa. We had some coffee with us (surprise surprise), and were taking the opportunity to check out the surrounding islands and views (one view was a bit shocking - see below).


On our way back to Oban we were able to find a quiet spot on the ferry and just relax as we cruised through the sea. There were a lot of sail boats out, so it was fun to watch everyone taking advantage of a rare perfect day.


One of the biggest surprises on the trip was a basking shark that was only about 2 yards off of the boat. The captain said it was probably around 14 feet long, and if you look close you can see it open mouth under the water (as well as catch a glimpse of how large it was). It was pretty awesome to see something like that up close.


We'll get more of the actual sites posted soon. We had a blast, if you can't already tell!

Oban

The old man and the sea

A local bird, hovering by the fish restaurant.

Evening reading by the bay.

And, well...this picture is pretty random. The water WAS there, just not visible in this photo!

If you're ever near Crieff...

Check it out...its a cool little towne. We stopped
simply to find a toilet, and happend to find a cool coffee shop as well! Crieff was actually the perfect place to get a quick bite to eat on our 4 hour journey to Oban last weekend. More random bits from the trip to follow soon!

Back in Aberdeen

We're back, both a year older. Today I am 28 and Kyle is 31 tomorrow. We enjoy celebrating our birthdays together, and by celebrate we mean staying in our pajamas all day, and drinking lots of coffee. I must admit, I do miss a good firework show. So, if anyone vidoes a good one, send it along to us please!!


Happy 4th of July to all of you in the USA!