Strontian to Islay

Depart Strontian at 10am

1) Ferry from Ardnamurkan to Corran

2) Bus from Corran to Oban

3) Bus from Oban to Lochgilphead

4) Bus from Lochgilphead to Kennycraig

5) Ferry from Kennycraig to Port Askaig (Islay)

6) Pick up rental car and drive to Port Ellen to campsite



Total Travel time (10hrs), Distance travelled (97 miles)

Thank You Dunn Family

We had an amazing time with the Dunn family helping out on Ardnamushroom Farm. Our work was varied between fencing, manufacturing fruiting blocks, harvesting mushrooms and enjoying the company of the entire Dunn family including pets. We also got to see some of the less visited locations that are off the beaten path and away from tourists: Strontian, Tioram Castle(pronouced churin), Kingairloch and Ariundle Forest to name a few. Always followed by some pints at the farm or at the Strontian Hotel. I don't think we could have had a better introduciton to WWOOF'ing, thanks again Robert, Justin, Hazel, Sam, James and Angus.

Masum and Krista's Apartment and Watson.

Just found this video:

Getting ready to leave the house and Watson didn't want us to leave.

WWOOF'ing in Scotland

Well after the long night train and some time to kill in Glasgow we made it to just outside the town of Strontian, Scotland (2hrs north and west of Glasgow). This is the location of our first WWOOF'ing (Willing Workers on Organic Farms) experience. Our current hosts are organic mushroom farmers and the first couple of days have been a total blast. Robert, Justine, Hazel, Sam, James and Angus have made us feel at home and comfortable. We will be posting some pictures tomorrow of the place and everyone here. In the first two days we've scratched the surface of mushroom farming and have done some fence work. Patti particularly enjoys dancing to Paul Simon while hurling "fruiting blocks" into the water tank outside, pictures to follow.

We also found the local pub today and enjoyed some pints, I (Colin) was having beer withdrawals after two days with no beer. The pub also has a very extensive scotch collection, possibly to be sampled later this week...as PREP FOR ISLAY!

Full up on real Scottish food

Still waiting for the bus in Glasgow, but as Colin said, we found a lovely little pub to kill time in.  This pub also serves a 3 course lunch for 3.95 pounds.  Colin had a steak pie and chips and I had sausage hotpot (real big mini sizzlers in gravy with potatoes, mushrooms and carrots...kind of tasted like Christmas breakfast mixed with Christmas dinner) and chips.

Catching the bus, CHEERS

P & C

London to Glasgow

On May 12th we booked a rental car online from London to Glasgow for £46. On May 14th we arrived at the rental shop to pick up the car. The price quoted by the rental company was correct except for the fact that we had a one way drop-off charge of another £53 (£1 - $2Can approx) not included in the quote. Even after demanding for senior management the one-way drop-off fee would not be waived. With the price doubled we opted not to rent the car and waited 13hrs to catch a 9hr night bus to Glasgow. Currently rather sleepy and looking forward to getting to our first volunteer location which is still another 4hrs of transit to a small Scottish island. We have located a very nice pub in Glasgow to waist time, shouldn't be too taxing.

On another note posted a link on the right side of the page to our Picasa web album to view photos.

Adios Amigos...WE LEAVE TOMORROW!!!

Hi all, things are getting crazy!!! Check out our passport pictures...we look like we are going to have a riot! (don't make fun, you can't smile and I was wearing a toque all day)













Colin and I are all set to take off tomorrow! First stop is London, England, followed by some WWOOFing in Scotland.
We worked our last day of work a week ago and have been enjoying life, work-free, for the past week. Everything in our house is all packed up. It is a little freaky right now, being in an empty house with two fully loaded backpacks. Someone should come up here and knock some sense into us soon. I WANT MORE THAN 3 PAIRS OF UNDERWEAR!!!

After work on Friday, we enjoyed several beers at Cranky Joes with everyone from work. Thanks for coming to say goodbye and good luck!!

The drink our house dry party on Saturday was a riot! Check out the pictures below. Thanks to everyone who came to the party...except you Christine who thought she could get rid of all of her crap booze too!! Special thanks to the out-of-towners who came all this way!

Our folks were up on Monday and Tuesday night. A few nights of heavy red wine drinking made the packing difficult but with the help of our wonderful parents, we got everything squared away.

We will miss you all!! STAY IN TOUCH AND SEND US A COMMENT OR TWO, OR JUST SAY HELLO!!!