Iona part three

We awoke this morning a little after six am, knowing that we had to leave all to soon. We wandered around the dock area and headed in for a quick breakfast that was provided by the B&B we were staying at. Val, the fine chap who checked us in, was eagerly awaiting our arrival. He greeted us and shared a few words before we picked our cereal and yogurt and sat down to our last meal on the Isle. It was very bittersweet for me, because I know we are heading to Ireland tomorrow. But there is something so special about the island itself.
We decided to check out an hour before the ferry arrived and just look out over the bay. As we stood in the queue with our packs and hearts eager to go home Patrick and I both began to sing "Here's a Health to the Company". When I got to the last part I began to cry. Iona is a special place. It seems to draw people in from all over the world; Germany, Italy, France, Australia, UK, America, Canada, Iran, India, Pakistan, Holland and I am sure many more places... Our small amount of time on the Isle was a myriad of emotion. But as we watched her fade away into the distance my heart began to ache... Who knows how long before we head back to her shining green shore, marbled with ancient rock and Holy sites. I cried on the ferry passing and as she faded out of site I turn my eyes to the new horizon on Mull which was welcoming us with sun and Scotland mists.
It was here I felt my heart re-fuel with anticipation of setting my feet once again on the Irish soil. I want to go back to the Isle of Iona, over and over again... But there is just something about Eire that calls to me, pulls me from the depth of my being... To have been to Columba's shore on his exiled island and to now be returning to his home is truly a testament.
I do not know if I can say I had anything extra-ordinary happen on the isle... Except that we were just on the isle itself. The stomach issue that I had carried for almost four days disappeared on the first day we were there. We met amazing people that I will carry in my heart forever. Patrick found himself on a mountain and I found myself amidst the ruins of a nunnery. Columba led us there, but Brigid found me there and for this I am ever thankful. I will carry a little piece of Iona with me forever.
We arrived in Oban ready to settle in for the day. Patrick and I were sure the hostel was just "up" the road about 3 or 4 blocks. Of course the last time we were here we did not have our packs, just a bag of groceries and some laundry. I have to admit my body is stronger than I ever expected it could be. After 4 days of hiking on the isle, my feet and shoulders carried me and the 75 pounds I was carrying almost a mile to our destination this morning. Not to say that by the time we arrived I was not aching for relief... The 5th of August when we get our car cannot come fast enough... :-)
But here we are anyhow... Awaiting our check-in to Oban so that we can leave this place tomorrow and journey back to our home land... Ireland, light a candle for our safe arrival and we will see you soon!!!