Ardnamurky

Friday May 4

After a short night for both of us, we were packed and away at 8.45 on a rather gloomy morning. Warmer ......I think cooler and sun is my preferred option of the two. 
The drive to Fort William is one of mountains lochs and lovely countryside, not much of it viewable this morning in steady drizzle, sometimes deteriorating to heavier showers.

After the usual stock-up in Fort William Morrison's, for comparatively poorly catered Mull, only a short drive for the Corran ferry to Ardgour on Ardnamurchan. This 10 minute crossing avoids a 35 mile road trip from Fort William. The ferry was in dock, we drove straight on.

Everyone else turned left after the ferry, we turned right, parking near the metal jetty so that we could see the resident Black Guillemots. Really smart little auks with their large bright, white wing patches against jet black plumage. Still raining steadily, the light appalling. Tired of waiting for an improvement in the weather, I took some photos from the car window. Their scarlet feet and gapes not at all obvious.

Pretty ordinary shots but all I managed.
A hot coffee at the local inn, mainly to say thank you for using their ladies, was very welcome.A slow drive towards Strontian, sea watching all the way, rewarded by a smart summer plumage Great Northern Diver.Low cloud meant no raptors. We've been so lucky with the weather until to-day. 

We had very detailed instructions on how to reach our B and B for to-night. Just as well, it was complicated. The large bungalow is high on the moors overlooking Strontian. The room is rather small but fine for one night. Mull in the morning.