Rain, Sunshine and Hurricane Ophelia

The regular rain showers continued over the weekend.  On Saturday we saw a short window in the forecast that was supposed to be just cloudy.  So we climbed up the hill behind the village, Cnoc Mor, in time to see the 10:00 a.m. ferry arriving.  It is often the busiest ferry since Saturday is the day rentals end and begin.  

There is a lot that can be seen from the top, such as the Abbey, the St. Columba Hotel in the center, the jewelry store and Oran craft cooperative.  In the distance on the right is Eilean nam Ban, the Island of the Women, and the Island of Mull behind it. 

We started walking west, to see if we could locate the Hermits Cell, but saw a squall blowing toward us, so quickly climbed down and took shelter in front of the library until most of it blew through.  We stayed inside the rest of the afternoon.  We had invited a new friend over for dinner, so David spent the afternoon puttering in the kitchen.

Sunday morning we went to the Scottish Presbyterian church in the village for the morning service.  The minister for the morning was the Rev. Joyce Watson, a Scottish Episcopal priest who we have come to know.  The minister was unable to lead because the ferry service was canceled in the morning, though it was running again at Noon.  So Joyce read through the service that had been prepared, including the sermon!

Sunday afternoon there was supposed to be another fair weather window, so we hiked up to the north end and the White Strand of the Monks.  We almost turned back when a squall blew in and the sky looked dark. But putting up the hoods on our coats, we waited for ten minutes.  It cleared out and there was some blue sky, as well as some more showers over the next hours.  David took this picture of the lichen on the rocks.

Today we have had more sunshine then the last three days!  We could see the edges of Ophelia because the clouds were moving from east to west, not the usual direction.  We walked over to Marchair on the west side.  If you want to buy a house on Iona, the house on the left, Lagnagiogan is available for £250,000.  Follow the link if you want to learn more about it.  However locals recommend tearing it down because it has water leakage problems and a big crack on the right end. 

On the right in the distance is the Hill of Angels, where Columba was seen praying by another monk.  He was  surrounded by dozens of angels.  One of the many legends attached to this island.

As I finish writing, the wind and rain from Ophelia are blowing around us.  But we are warm and settled for the night into our little home, Tighshee.