Walking & Wildlife Over the hill from Ardfern to Craobh Haven

 

The Ardfern Marina workboat at its berth - just waiting for something to do.
It’s a tough life.

Our activity today was a walk from Ardfern up over the hill to Craobh Haven and back - about 16,000 steps.  It was misty to start with this morning and a bit cool.  While having morning tea on the upper deck Gordon and I spotted a jumping fish, followed shortly afterwards by an Otter. It was foraging along the shore, and although we didn’t see it for long, it was good to catch sight of what is normally a fairly elusive animal. ( unfortunately it was much too far away to get a picture).

Our walk was through a mix of rough farmland and woodland with a considerable number of residential houses along the way.  The track is partly tarmac but much of it is a rough dirt road.  By the time we were en route the weather was warm and sunny and calm and lovely.

As we came down towards Craobh Haven the views up Loch Melfort were lovely.

A Red Squirrel was spotted scampering down a big mature Oak tree.  The squirrel was a very dark rich red individual.  It didn’t hang about to let everyone see it.  

In Craobh Haven we lunched in Lucy’s Pop-up Cafe - open for a couple of hours at lunchtime and a couple of hours in the evening.  The Cullen Skink was first class, as was the ham and cheese toastie.  The coffee (Lucy’s Blend from Argyle Roasters) was undrinkable.  We all didn’t drink it, and we let the management know (we still paid for it).

On the way back over the hill we spotted a number of this year’s baby toads crossing the path.  Tiny wee things taking big leaps across what must have seemed like a mammoth highway.

Spot the Toad.

Rabbits also made an appearance along with 35 species of birds - including Nuthatches (quite far north) and Ravens (cool dudes) and an irritated female Blackcap.

A gentle late afternoon on board in calm sunny conditions leading to a luxurious dinner up on deck.  We feel a bit like how the other half live.  

Lazaway on her berth in the evening light.


Susie and Gordon sampling the low alcohol fruity beery drinks that Patrick gave for Father’s Day. The left hand one was lovely.  The right hand one was a bit like the coffee. 
It’s a brave new world.





























































































































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