Glencoe Valley, Oban, and the Isle of Iona
Emily:
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Our next two days were just as action packed as the others. On our way to our next overnight stop in Oban, we drove through the majestic Glencoe Valley. The surrounding mountains here are awe-inspiring, and our whole tour group couldn't wait to find a spot to pull over and take some photos of our surroundings. We also got to take a ski lift to the top of one of the peaks. I have never been skiing, so this was my first time on a lift like this, but I was excited for the ride! Mom was a little nervous but like a champ she came with me to the top and we were rewarded with spectacular views going for miles.
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In Oban, we toured a famous whisky distillery and got to taste some whisky. I had no background knowledge for this but I learned a lot!
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The next day we took a ferry to Mull, a bus across Mull, and then another quick ferry to the Isle of Iona. The bus drive across Mull was really entertaining, as we had a local driver who had a wealth of stories about the area, and the views from the bus were beautiful. Iona is a tiny island that is full of history. We walked through town with a local before touring the abbey. This is an ancient building but is still in use by the locals today. We also explored the ruins of a nunnery.
LaShon's Highlights:
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I do not have the words to describe the beauty of Glencoe. I want to go back there and hike among those waterfalls.
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Liz tells us the tragic story of the massacre of the MacDonalds - the reason it is called the "Weeping Glen."
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The bus ride across Mull! How can a bus ride be that much fun? Richard our driver was entertaining and informative. The landscape gave me an understanding of what the Isle of Lewis might look.
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St. Orran's Chapel on Iona
Clockwise from top left: Emily and LaShon at a Glencoe vista; the Commando Memorial; the courtyard of Iona Abbey; Celtic cross at the entrance to the Abbey; Nunnery Ruins on Iona; original cross in the Heritage Centre; hairy coos on the island; more Nunnery ruins