Our first attempt at departure didn’t stick as we forgot a couple of items in the laundry room. We still got off in okay time and headed for our destination, Oban – a small town on the western coast.
The road was scenic, but very windy and Xyla was sick for a good portion of it. Once in Oban, our plan was to hit a ferry and go to Kerra, a small island close by. We followed the signs to Kerra, but there are a couple of wys to the ferry terminal (no terminal there, really) and we drove a super windy and narrow road to a dead end. The road continued, but the coded gate relayed 
a pretty strong message. We headed for Oban along the water (the other route was up in the hills) and we happened across the ferry stop. It took us a couple of minutes to realize that we didn’t have any money. The ferry was scheduled to do its thing in 15 minutes. I got in the car, buzzed back into town, collected some money and made it back to the ferry. Andrea had bought me some time with the ferryman and I ran onto the thing and it was off. I secretly wished he would have pulled away as I approached so I could jump over some water, but oh well.
Kerra is around 9 miles around and we 
were under the impression that the track was around 6 miles. It would be a healthy walk, but we thought we could do it. It was an absolutely beautiful day for a walk – water, hills, sheep and wildflowers. We took our time and after a couple of climbs and descents, we made it to a map that was posted on the wall of a guesthouse. We had a lot to do yet and if we tried to go all away around the island, there was a 100 percent chance of us missing the ferry back. A side trail led to a castle and this seemed a good point to head for before going back the way we came.
The castle was perfect. Right on th
e rocky coast, set on a cliff, it wasn’t very large, but it was one of those tall tower things that the Scots are famous for. For some reason I didn't take a photo from the best vantage points, but what is pictured below is what I have. We explored a bit, Xyla got a scrape, and then we headed straight over a hill in the direction of what we thought was the trail. Our shortcut paid off and while I am not going to say that we made it back to the ferry in record time, we made it back with only minimal complaining and a couple of sore feet between the lot of us.
From the ferry it was a short ride 
into Oban and our guesthouse, a former vicary. It had a large garden and a wonderful view of the bay (see below). The folks who run it are brilliant and the place just felt good. Dinner of mussels and beer down by the water.
While our guesthouse was very nice, it was much different than the hostel. There wasn’t a lounge to hang out in, we missed the kitchen and if you consider the fact that you are abliged to eat out it is way more expensive to stay at the guesthouse despite the base costs being somewhat similar. View from the garden at right.
Tomorrow Glasgow.
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