Tobermory

Ah, writing this from Edinburgh, back in the land of working wifi.

Tobermory, on the Isle of Mull, is cute and scenic, somewhat still a fishing workingman's town, but more so now a tourism spot.

We spent four nights at the Western Isles hotel high on the bluff.  It's a mid-1800's place, very shabby, but Allen found its allure in its deteriorated grande dame appearance, the huge lounge with sofas and comfy chairs all over, perfect for reading, and the views toward the Sound of Mull.

Best happy hour spot in town, cold, though.

I have to confess I didn't find much allure.  Wifi worked once in awhile (but never enough to upload photos, for instance), and the antique toilet in our room made such a racket that the walls rattled.  (The front desk had it checked and said it was fine.) But this is not a Trip Advisor review...

Still I wanted to stay here because of the movie connection, and the hotel made the most of it.

And staff members were sweet, most summer interns from other parts of Europe, including Malin, here, from Goteberg Sweden. Not a flattering photo, but want to remember her.

The town is quite picturesque, with high bluff homes and colors reminding us very much of St. John, Newfoundland.

Argylle Street, where each home has a wonderful garden and sitting area across the street from the front door, overlooking Tobermory.

Mailbox

We took a different walk every day, the first day to a nearby farm famous for its Isle of Mull cheese.

Found it interesting that even out of town, where there's plenty of open space for your doggie, the infrastructure includes doggie poo waste receptacles.

The cheese farm's cafe.  Loved the interior grapevines, the rhubarb crumble with clotted cream, and our conversation with the baker, a northern California girl who married a Scot.

On our second morning we took a walk to the Tobermory lighthouse, which began as a trek across the town golf course.  We were the only ones there but for two intrepid duffers.  Incomparable views.

We checked out Lady Drimnin's claim.

The stile for getting over the fence.

And the reward.

This memorial was so interesting and helpful in helping us get our bearings. It showed castles and water and landform features for miles around.

One of Allen's favorite places in Tobermory.

And I saw and got to pet The Tobermory Cat, whose activities are well-documented in a series of children's books.

Another dinner story, alas.  Cafe Fish, the modest place there in the photo behind the cat,  is among the places best rated in Scotland for seafood, so we made reservations.  The restaurant is owned and run by a family that has its own boat, so the day's food is again based on what shows up.

Allen wanted me to feature his brew.

I loved the wait staff outfits.

I chose the top one.

Here it is (along with Allen's seafood stew and a bisque).

I love Allen's expression in these photos.  It went from, "ALL this is for me?" to "Oh, well, might as well tuck in..."

And we ate. it. all. Mmmmm....squat lobster tails.....mmmm.....my new favorites!