On our return trip, 7 of us had the not-very-fun experience of not getting a seat on the bus (despite having already purchased return tickets!). As the bus-driver left with the packed bus at 9:10 a.m., he told us that the next bus would be coming at 11:50. The seven of us took shelter in a ferry waiting room--which sported 3 vinyl couches and pay toilets, and nothing else to do or see. We were all fuming/bummed/worried about missed flights/trains, etc.
One of us (not me) was brilliant, though, and got to digging around on bulletin boards. He found a business card for a taxi, called it, and got them to come for us. The driver, a lovely woman, not only got out to the ferry station, picked us all up (in an 8 seater van) and hauled us to Craignure on time, she also gave us a running commentary about the many things (historical, geological, natural, cultural) we saw enroute. The total fare was 70 pounds, which, divided by the 7 of us was quite reasonable.
She told us, though, that her taxi (her husband David Greenhlalgh is the primary driver) specializes in airport pick-ups. They will pick up a group (or individual) at Glasgow airport and drive you all the way to Fionnport ferry. The cost was 250 pounds (I'm certain that might vary based on season) each way plus the cost of your ferry tickets (from Oban). The van gets on the ferry with you. This is a rather reasonable rate for a group--especially if it means you can avoid the cost of a night in Glasgow.I can imagine, also, that if carrying your luggage or chasing around small (or large) children were a hardship, it would be worth the cost. (And if her husband knows even half of what she knows about the area, you'd be in for a treat.)
The company's name is Mull and Iona Taxi. Their website www.mullionataxi.com would be the best way to reach them. Their business card gives a telephone number of 0788 777 4550.
If nothing else, keep them in mind, in case you get booted off the bus!
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Quick Notes on Packing
I wanted to add just a few quick notes on packing. Generally speaking, the Iona Community gives you good advice on that, but a few notes that they didn't tell me:
* They ask you to bring rain-pants for the pilgrimage (and for the other very rainy times). What they don't mention on paper, but do mention when you're physically present is that gaiters are an equally good option. My rain pants took up a lot of space. If I'd known that gaiters worked, I'd have bought them and packed those instead--much smaller and lighter and more versatile. They do have a few pairs of rain-pants available for loan, too.
* I can't speak for the abbey, but the mac is single-sex rooms, but co-ed floors. If your nightwear is more exciting than mine, you might want to consider that in the packing process.
* In the off-season at least, there's really no such thing as packing too many layers.
* I brought my computer, because I had planned to do a lot of writing, and I write on a keyboard. It was worth it for me because Internet wasn't my goal. If I'd hoped to use my computer to connect to the web, I would have been sorely disappointed! There is inexpensive (50 pence for 15 minutes) Internet at St. Columba's Hotel.
* So long as you can carry your own luggage (on wheels or whatever) the equivalent of a city-block, you're fine. You can bring rather heavy bags--nobody cares. Be aware, though, that you will often end up leaving your bags unattended for a period of time--on the ferries, and the train, and when you first arrive and later depart Iona. This took some getting used to on my part; I don't think I've left my bags un-attended since 9/11. If you try to hang on to your bags the whole trip, though, you'll miss out on half the fun of the journey. Be sure to have a small bag where everything valuable goes. Just generally speaking, a small day-pack or shoulder bag is a helpful thing for your time on the island anyway.
* I bought a camping towel for my trip--quick dry, light and small. It was a very good investment. I can't imagine packing a wet towel for the trip home.
* As they mention on the conference information, there are no ATMs on the island. I took that to heart and changed over a lot of money before coming to Iona. The other part, though, is there are few places to actually spend your money! So don't go crazy!
*** Have fun! ****
* They ask you to bring rain-pants for the pilgrimage (and for the other very rainy times). What they don't mention on paper, but do mention when you're physically present is that gaiters are an equally good option. My rain pants took up a lot of space. If I'd known that gaiters worked, I'd have bought them and packed those instead--much smaller and lighter and more versatile. They do have a few pairs of rain-pants available for loan, too.
* I can't speak for the abbey, but the mac is single-sex rooms, but co-ed floors. If your nightwear is more exciting than mine, you might want to consider that in the packing process.
* In the off-season at least, there's really no such thing as packing too many layers.
* I brought my computer, because I had planned to do a lot of writing, and I write on a keyboard. It was worth it for me because Internet wasn't my goal. If I'd hoped to use my computer to connect to the web, I would have been sorely disappointed! There is inexpensive (50 pence for 15 minutes) Internet at St. Columba's Hotel.
* So long as you can carry your own luggage (on wheels or whatever) the equivalent of a city-block, you're fine. You can bring rather heavy bags--nobody cares. Be aware, though, that you will often end up leaving your bags unattended for a period of time--on the ferries, and the train, and when you first arrive and later depart Iona. This took some getting used to on my part; I don't think I've left my bags un-attended since 9/11. If you try to hang on to your bags the whole trip, though, you'll miss out on half the fun of the journey. Be sure to have a small bag where everything valuable goes. Just generally speaking, a small day-pack or shoulder bag is a helpful thing for your time on the island anyway.
* I bought a camping towel for my trip--quick dry, light and small. It was a very good investment. I can't imagine packing a wet towel for the trip home.
* As they mention on the conference information, there are no ATMs on the island. I took that to heart and changed over a lot of money before coming to Iona. The other part, though, is there are few places to actually spend your money! So don't go crazy!
*** Have fun! ****
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