We left beautiful Loch Spelve around 9 am to sail the short distance back to Kerrera marina which is just across the harbor from Oban. We stopped for fuel and then tied up alongside Zusa, which is a bigger and heavier boat than Visions. We then began to pack our clothes and parcels which always seem heavier than before. Kathleen and I have decided that dirty clothes are much heavier than clean ones.
Since we were planning to take a 5:17 train out of Oban to make connections to airports, we took our luggage off the boat before attending the final party.
The party was a fun mix of food bars (pizza, burgers, seafood) and Scottish dancing that reminded me of square dancing. The band got everyone dancing and laughing. Kathleen and I left the party in time to catch the 9pm water taxi across the harbor. Our backpack luggage was quite heavy so we stopped a few times to rest. Backpacks are best on a boat because they collapse to flat and can easily be stored since space is at a premium.
Our room across the street from the train station was exactly as advertised….small and windowless. Since we knew the night would be short, we required only a comfortable bed and bathroom.
I was awake before the 4:30 alarm. We hadn’t unpacked so it was easy to get ready for the train. As we waited by the station, several ducks arrived and went under the fence near the platform. It appeared that the train crew feed the ducks, as many as 40 some days. Once we were allowed to board, the ducks flew off.
Our 3 car train was very clean and comfortable. The train took nearly the same route as our bus out to Oban but the tracks are a bit higher up so we got some great views of the lochs and countryside. We arrived in Glasgow Queen street station which was only a short walk to Buchanan station and the airport bus to Edinburgh. After quick goodbyes, I set off with Google Maps for the shortest route since my heavy backpack was not good for any great distance. I had also asked the train conductor. He said it was a 5 minute walk around the corner. BUT he neglected to mention that it was uphill and a bit steep. I arrived at the bus station about 10 minutes before the airport bus. I bought a much needed large cappuccino and sat on the bench outside the bus bay to rest my backpack behind me. The bus takes about an hour. Once I arrived at the airport, I just had to get the bag to the bag drop. Luckily it wasn’t far.
I got through security quickly and went to the Delta lounge. It was a good place to just sit and relax for about 2 hours before boarding. My flight wasn’t very full so boarding moved quickly. It always amuses me to see the people who ask to board early although they aren’t in a wheelchair or accompanied by a small child. At least it wasn’t like my trip to Guatemala where they boarded about 30 wheelchair folks first.
The seven hour flight landed on time. I am now in a taxi on my way to my apartment for laundry and lots of mail to toss. It will be nice to sleep in a normal bed that doesn’t have audible wind gusts and rain or rocking from tides. I enjoy all of those…on my own boat!
The Adventures of Anne 