Mike's Natural Musings: Mull, July, Day 1

Saturday, 2 July 2022

Mull, July, Day 1

We woke to lowering skies and rain this morning but, undeterred, struggled, in Heather's case, down for an excellent breakfast. Then, packed and car loaded once more, we set off for Craignure A&E. Everybody here was very kind and helpful and looked after Heather really well. In the event the ankle was badly sprained rather than broken so only needed supporting with tubigrip. What a relief all round.

Launching off again we headed for Loch Spelve and the small, amazingly remote hamlet of Croggan. As Mrs P is unable to walk, cruising very slowly around remote lochs is an ideal activity and suited me down to the ground. There is always a silver lining!!! :-) My bird tick list is gradually increasing and the camera, with birding lens attached, now deployed, I was getting some bird photographs and also ones of common seal with a pup. We drove slowly around the loch to Croggan where we were able to park up and have lunch. Reversing our route, we soon came across a couple of photographers on the loch side. Realising they were concentrating on otters, I managed to get parked, without blocking a passing place, and crept down to join them. I soon locked onto the otters and watched through the lens as I took photographs. What an amazing experience. They were totally relaxed as they rolled and tumbled amongst the weed and in the water. They appeared to be a tangled knot of animals and I originally thought that there were three but on reviewing the images there only appear to be two. I couldn't believe my luck: in 2015 we spent ten days on the island and saw no otters at all and on this trip have managed two sightings in two days.

Returning to Tobermoray we settled into the hostel, which, like the hotel last night, is right on the harbourside. After a rest we went out for take-away fish and chips, which we ate looking out over the harbour, before a drink outside. Now it's time to settle down ready for tomorrow.

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