Our train was departing for Oban in the West Highlands at 8am and after a few twists and turns we made it to platform 17 where we grabbed a city train out to Dalmuir to catch our connection. A nice man offered us his last two sausage rolls -- and strangely we accepted them!
The train from Glasgow to Oban was used to film many of the train scenes from the Harry Potter films -- so Callie in particular was excited. Our conductor soon informed us that because we didn't have reservations (all the tour books said they were rarely needed) we (and about 20 others) would possibly have to get off and take a bus to Oban. The conductor (a young fellow who looked much like Scottish comedian Danny Bhoy) was dealing with a number of angry commuters including one older gentlemen who was chatting with us later and apologizes to the children each time he said "bloody!".
In the end, something was arranged and we didn't have to get off the train and could enjoy the views through the scenic valleys and the Scottish lochs. Callie is convinced we went by the exact lake they used for the Harry Potter film and she has it on film (who am I to argue?).
It was a very nice trip to Oban - again the weather held out for us and Kieran even managed to snag a pack of Dorrito's out of the conductor's own lunch.
Arriving in Oban, Kieran and I left Sherri, Callie and the bags at the station and headed off to find our car rental. Turns out Hazelbank Motors is a Fiat dealership - they just rent cars on the side. The fellow who arranged the car was on his own - so was a little slow with the system. He was a very nice guy - 3 boys and turns out his best friend had married a girl from Nova Scotia.
Once we secured the car (a Renault Clio -- a bit smaller than expected, but the only automatic there) Kieran and I headed out and had to stop for gas (car only had 1/4 of a tank..."Oh just return it about that" the man says to me...I guess this isn't Hertz). Needless to say the return journey to the station was quick but the whole process took longer than expected and Sherri was becoming concerned. We packed the car and made it onto the ferry and I stayed in the correct lane the whole time.
The ferry ride was smooth -- very large ferries, slightly larger than what runs between Nova Scotia and PEI. There was a full cafeteria with hot meals (and beer!). We enjoyed a spot of lunch and then went to the observation deck to see the island (Mull). At that moment the rain came in a deluge and we were rewarded for sticking our heads outside.
We arrived on the Isle of Mull slightly delayed and made our way for the main city of Tobermory. If I hadn't mentioned, most of Mull is populated with single-lane roads with lots of "passing places". So far we've only had to do one big reversal to let someone by...its an adventure.
Tobermory is the set for the fictional town of Balamory - famous from a BBC kids show of the same name. Its a very nice little town that reminds me of St. John's - loads of colourful houses and pubs.
After checking in and a quick tour of the town we headed to a local pub where the highlight of the night was the sandwich selections. When I asked the bartender what type of sandwiches he had - he replied (with a straight face) "bread". I was sure he was putting me on - but he started laughing at himself and then gave us the real choices. Kieran enjoyed his "bread bread" (and ham) sandwich very much.
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