We were greeted by yet another day with calm waters and sunny skies. As we approached the isles, several common dolphins were spotted nearby as well as good numbers of seabirds.
Immediately after breakfast, the trusty Zodiacs had us speeding towards the landing on the Isle of Lunga. Little did we know what awaited us, because after a short walk we were surrounded by delightfully charismatic Atlantic puffins, one of the birds we most wanted to see! They were going in and out of their burrows with beautiful flowering plants close by. The next couple of hours were beyond words, leaving us profoundly thankful for such special encounters.
Those opting for the Zodiac cruises also saw many of these lovely birds as well as a number of grey seals.
In the afternoon we visited Iona, a place where peace and tranquility are palpable. There has been an abbey here for well over a millennium, founded by St. Columba. It is also the final resting place of Scottish kings. The joy of experiencing Iona was enhanced by lovely walks to white sandy beaches and along the way the sound of corncrakes were occasionally heard.
The stunning green flash seen by some after dinner was a fitting finale to a truly fabulous day.
