We departed Bishops House at 8:30 this morning for a short walk to the ferry. So hard for us to say goodbye to the gracious staff, the gorgeous island, the settling peace, and the most beautiful place I have ever seen. The ferry departed at 8:50 am on crisp clear seas for a short trek to the Isle of Mull. There, we caught a bus to Craignure. But before departing we had a visitor. An adorable “hairy coo” came walking down the path next to the bus. If you aren’t familiar, it’s a small Scottish cow with long fur. It’s was as if he was bidding us goodbye. This was the first one I had seen live on the trip although there were likenesses everywhere from dish towels to stationary!
The bus ride to Craignure was one hour. We boarded a much larger ferry there bound for Oban. There, we stored our luggage and broke into small groups for lunch. Great to have another short stay in this charming town. Right after lunch we boarded a train for Glasgow. Three hours later we arrived at the Queen Street Station where we went our separate ways after a week of harmonious bonding. Most are heading home on Saturday, but Amy B. is venturing off to Helensburgh for adventurous hiking, and Laurie to Edinburgh for a day of sightseeing.
It’s been a long journey but despite the planes, trains, and boats, we would all do it again. I guess that’s what it takes to visit holy ground on a stunning island with 170 people. If it were easy, everyone would be there. Thanks to Ann, Amy B., Amy HD, Winnifred, Gini, and Candace, for making this all possible. And thank God for blessing me with this wonderful experience.
–Sherryl Dorch
