It's been an amazing couple of days.

 

The drive to Mull was beautiful.

Stunning Loch Lomond

framed by snow capped mountains

& snow dusted fir trees 

arriving in Oban for the ferry.
 

Tobermory is so pretty.
 

We arrived in the dark to see the harbour lit up

 with twinkly lights all along the waterfront

and a fully decorated Christmas tree on the fishing dock.

There we are 

up there on the hill...
 

( The Colditz style building ! )
 

second window up on the left
 

with wonderful harbour view.

The hotel dates from 1883

and is undergoing continued re-refurbishment.

It's elegant & dignified
with lovely old brass fittings

The lounge has big sofas to sit in next to roaring log fires.

It's decorated beautifully for Christmas
( Even the stuffed deer heads have Santa hats on ! )

We had an after dinner walk around the harbour

then back uphill to our cosy room.

Yesterday we took two walks

and another potter window shopping.

The second walk was along an extremely muddy track to the lighthouse.

The hotel accepts well behaved dogs

but we weren't sure Dillon would be welcome after that walk

( don't worry - he's at home ! )

We washed off the mud & donned our finery

 husband in his kilt

and enjoyed a wonderful dinner

chatting to other guests before and after.

There was dancing organised

with a live band

where people expected husband to be good...

( he is awful ! )

He doesn't know his left from his right

but it was a lot of fun.

The evening ended with a spectacular fireworks display 

which we watched from the hotel balcony with guests, staff & band members.

Today we have driven round the island.

I saw something moving & was amazed to see a Sea Eagle 

just taking flight from a rock. 

It was joined by two others & they soared majestically in the skies.

Incredible sight.

There were lots of Buzzards sighted & seals in the distance.

We drove to where we could see the Isle of Iona.

Totally spectacular countryside

with cottages dotted along

with a few Churches & schools.

The larger houses set back 

reminded me of Skyfall !

It has been a wonderful break

and the start to celebrating

both our fiftieth birthdays this year.

We will stay with my parents in law tomorrow night

then home

when I can pop over to see you all

and wish you a proper

Happy New Year !