The PCUSA Pilgrim Pastor

After catching the 7:22 am bus at Taize, hopping on two trains, taking a flight from Paris to Edinburgh, then another bus that arrived at 9:00 pm, I was ready to lay my head down at the coziest Bed and Breakfast in Oban, Scotland.

I was so excited to have a real bed and a sink, toilet, and shower all to myself. You’d think I was in a 5 star hotel!

And look at this cute little kettle with coffee, tea, and chocolate complete with creamer and sugar so I could have a cup before going to bed or first thing in the morning. Such a shame I don’t drink hot drinks, but I did save the chocolate for later.

Boy, do the Scottish folks know how to do breakfast. After 6 days of bread, butter, and chocolate, I had a feast. Not only did I it include these continental items like fruit, yoghurt, corn flakes, etc. but then the owner asked me how I would like my eggs and if I wanted bacon or sausage. She came out 5 minutes later with a hot freshly cooked breakfast. I was so excited I forgot to take a picture of it.

So Iona is such a remote place to get to, it took a day and a half to arrive. I had to spend the night in Oban which is the ferry terminal to take the first of boat and then I have to take a bus and then another ferry to get to Iona. Since the bus on the Isle of Mull wasn’t until 1:30, I could take the 12:15 ferry which means I had all morning to explore Oban.

After a luxurious hot shower, I walked the half mile to this amazing port town. Isn’t it cute?

I did wonder how old you had to be to cross this street. And how would they know?

The weather here is VERY different than Taize where it was like 80 degrees. The high here is in the mid 50’s with off and on showers and a wind. So I decided to buy a scarf as a souvenir and then wear it for the week on the island. Good choice, I am now finding out.

Did you know Oban boasts that it’s the Seafood Capital of Scotland?

The view was beautiful looking over the water.

We arrived on the island of Mull in the city of Craignure.

The bus was waiting for us when we arrived. Good thing because there are only two busses a day on Sunday, 1:30 and 5:30. The bus took us across the entire island to the next ferry.

I have to say the views from the bus on the mainland and on Mull were absolutely gorgeous. The pictures don’t do it justice, but I’ll share them with you anyway.

The ferry to Iona only takes 10 minutes but we did have a few dolphins entertain us and then swim under the ship. Can you see them?

Around 3:15 we finally arrive at the legendary Iona. I have heard about this place for years and know several people who have been here and now it has finally arrived. Unbeknownst to me, I arrived on the Feast of St. Columba!! That’s a big deal for Iona. You’ll find out why in the next post.