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The wind picked up even more overnight, but at least it dawned dry. However, the forecast was for heavy rain starting mid afternoon into the evening. The plan was to drive across the Isle of Mull to Tobermory, stopping off at various sites. The question was, which order? Because of the forecast, I decided it was important to get the waterfall done before the rain if possible.
Leaving the B&B, the weather was good enough to put the roof down. I had no choice but to turn left onto the main road, otherwise I wouldn't have got far. I then turned left onto the B8035, which I'd heard is a fantastic drive. I wasn't disappointed - it was one of the best I've ever experienced as it hogged the coastline before heading inland.
My first stop was Gruline, to visit the Macquarie Mausoleum. He was born on nearby Ulva. After a career in the military he was appointed Governor of New South Wales in Australia. Over 12 years he was instrumental in transforming it from a penal colony, and is known as The Father of Australia, with many streets, buildings, landmarks etc named after him. The Mausoleum, where he is buried with his family, is something of a shrine to Australians. It's a fitting memorial.
Then I turned left to follow the coastline again to Eas Fors Waterfall. Eas is the Gaelic word for waterfall. Fors is the Norse word for waterfall. So when translated, the name is Waterfall Waterfall Waterfall. That may seem over the top, but as there are three distinct falls, it seems quite fitting. The Upper Falls are above the road. The Middle Falls are below the road. Then it tumbles over the cliff to make up the Lower Falls. To see them from the bottom, I had to walk back down the road for 10 minutes then along the beach which was full of big boulders, so slow going. In total, it took about an hour, but it was well worth it.
As I got back to the car, it had started spitting. Nevertheless, I headed back the way I had come to Duart Castle in the South East corner of the island. The castle is the traditional seat of the Maclean Clan, but fell into ruin. Restoration by the Clan Chief started in 1911. It is currently under more renovation. The spectacular coastal setting makes it something of a landmark when travelling by the ferry from Oban.
After going aroun the castle, I popped into the tearoom and enjoyed a haggis and cheese panini, which was nice but not as good as the one I had a couple of days ago. It was followed by a tiffin made in the castle bakery, which was almost as good as mine!
By now, the rain had started to get harder and I headed back up the coast to Tobermory. During the drive, it really started chucking it down, but by the time I arrived at the Park Lodge Hotel, it had eased up a bit, so after checking in I decided to go for a little wander.
Tobermory is famous, of course, thanks to children's TV, where a Womble was named after the town. It's also the setting for Balamory, thanks to it's colourful buildings. The Park Lodge Hotel was used a Josie Jump's House.
The famous Fish and Chip Van was on the harbour side, so I had to try a portion of chips - lovely! I then headed back to the hotel but before I could get there, it really started raining hard again, so I got thoroughly soaked!
Today we drove 94 miles.
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