Was just listening to Johnnie Walker's Sounds of the 70s on Radio 2, while battling with weeds in the jungle of our garden, when he played this oldie and the opening lines just reminded me of last weekend
"I had a friend who had friends by a river ....."
and I had to dash in to share this:
as a coda to last weekend's idyllic time on the Solway Firth (it's almost a river!!) with 7 wonderful friends.
And even if you're not sentimental you'll love the 60s outfits!!!
Enjoy x x x
Strictly speaking I need to post up my photos of our wonderful Tour De Yorkshire extravaganza here in Sheffield and our amazing holiday in Portugal and Spain last month - but before that I must mention our fab, fun-filled spree north of the border this weekend, while it's fresh in my mind!
and so we arrive in beautiful secluded Carsethorn
our lane with view of the Criffel (1800ft)
and our view over the Solway Firth to the Lakes and another country!
Next day the gang assemble at Dumfries House
in the back row surprise surprise . . doesn't that take you back a few years!!
and a great little news item here if you're interested to know more about the house - this was made in 2007 before it was open to the public:
taking the air on the John Adams' bridge
Three little maids in the Summer House
A tour of the veg patches full of prize specimens
of cabbages and kings ( oh I still love the Walrus and the Carpenter !!)
Loved the education garden best of all - complete with Bill, Ben, friends and flora
wonderful grasses and teasels (is that what they are?)
then to another of the beautiful greenhouses
decked with colour
statuesque, or so they think!
but finally to the pub - the wonderful Steamboat Inn
for a feast and a half
and the next day - 'I see no ships' but great views across the sea
Then it was off to Kirkcudbright for the fascinating exhibition of work by the Glasgow Girls
and a glimpse of Jessie King's house
Then all too soon, after lots of laughs, happy reminiscences, amazing food and even more amazing company, the four days had come to an end . . .
and it was farewell to the Criffel,
the estuary
and, last but not least, our wonderful hosts
and as we sped south we caught a silvery glimpse of the wonderful Carsethorn
Will we no' come back again? . . . . I hope we will !!
Friday 3 May
and our final full day on Mull - where did the time go. . .
Well - rain again on the Bunessan plain - but we still had a magical day and it all centred around the fascinating area so close to our cottages.
Dived across the little stream in the rain and into the charming Ross of Mull Historical Museum in Bunessan. And for such a tiny old building, the wealth of information and the warmth of the welcome were staggering. We learned so much and realised we should have probably started the week with this visit!
Next we were beguiled by the delicious smell of freshly baked bread and dashed over to the warmth of the welcoming Bunessan Bakehouse with its famous collection of tea cosies
Have to say, we six were mighty reluctant to leave the cosiness of the Bakehouse, but after many rounds of food and coffee and buying up most of the stocks of Bunessen Bakehouse soda bread mix and porridge stirrers, we finally dragged ourselves back into the rain - but not without first booking to return to the special Fish and Chip Supper tonight back at the Bakehouse!!
For the next 10 minutes or so this was our view over the dashboard
until we arrived at the end of the road, right by the sea, at the fabulous Ardalanish weavers
and what a treat to see the great weaving tradition of this island in action and the beautiful garments and rugs in the shop.
Ended up probably our most expensive day of the week - what with mass buys of porridge, bread mix and rugs - but all things we'll treasure back home to bring back memories.
So, back to Ardfin and Ardlea for a quick pack and then down to the Bakehouse for that Fish and Chip supper.
and quite amazing it was! Busy, buzzy, happy atmosphere - loads of homemade bread-and-butter to help yourself to, fabulous fresh fish and homemade chips washed down with cups of tea and smiles. And cakes too . . . . .
and here's one totally full 'sixth' of our team . . .
As we left, as if on cue, the clouds lifted and lit up for our short drive back to the cottages giving us one final magnificent sky
. . . and of course, there was that final game of QI to be fought out!!
and so finally to
Saturday 4 May
final day, fond farewells to Gillian at Ardness House, keys handed in, fresh bread from the Bakehouse to take home
Ferry to catch - emerging out of the mists from Oban
and off for the long drive south - and the end of another wonderful episode in the lives of the sensational six on that magical Island of Mull.
(and if you've just tuned in and want to go to the start of this 2013 holiday on Mull then just click here)
or if you fancy reading about our 2012 first visit to Mull, then it starts here
still back in time on Mull . . .
Thursday 2 May
Wet, cold and windy! Comforting hearty brunch at the cottage then off in cars piled high with waterproofs and big boots for our hike to Shiaba, a deserted village on a southern headland on the Ross of Mull, just SE of Bunessan, more or less deserted since the 1830s clearances.
Wrapped ourselves up, battened down our kag hoods and off onto the cold, wet hillside.
First a visit to the remains of the medieval church of Kilvickeon isolated in a field with an amazing graveyard on all sides.
and it's rare remains of a carved sandstone sheela-na-gig, below
What a fabulous stark setting - in sunshine this valley would be even more beautiful and only a short walk down to the bay and the small island of Garbh Eilean.
But it wasn't seaside weather and we were determined to find the lost village, so on we trudged, higher and higher and wetter and wetter . . .
and finally we are at Shiaba and only us there on that whole mountainside
Shiaba was incredibly atmospheric and moving - especially trying to imagine the harsh lives of its past inhabitants.
The location is just stunning. We could see the cliffs leading down the coast towards the Carsaig Arches -next year's extreme walk (Ha Ha). And out to sea we could just about see faint outlines of the islands in the mist that we knew were dotted out in the Atlantic Ocean.
Even discovered an Iron Age hill fort in the centre - perfectly located at the tip of the hill, overlooking the ocean. Be so magical in the sun!!
So we'd found our lost village - then it was the long wet walk back to the cars, shower and change and we treated ourselves to a meal out tonight - - - - - followed by, you guessed it, more QI and, hilariously, a round or two of What's My Line!
If you'd like to read on to the final day of the hol - then please click here
(and if you've just tuned in and prefer to go to the start of this holiday on Mull then just click here)
