Day 11 Marcch 30th Oban



view from the boat

We had arrived at our anchorage off Oban before we were up and ready.  We eventually breakfasted and took the tender into the town as we had not booked to go on an excursion.  It was a calm, bright, sunny day and noticeably warmer than Stornoway.
  

High Street with McCaig tower

We had been to Oban on a previous holiday and had been impressed with the seaside town.  We took a tender at about 1000 and were soon at the quay and immediately in the middle of the town.  We wandered along the main street looking at the interesting shops and could see the McCaig tower which overlooked the town from the top of the hill. 



approaching the tower

We decided to climb to the

ferry and fishing boat from tower 

 tower and although fairly steep it did not take too long. The views from the top made the climb worthwhile.  We could see the town, the Astoria anchored in Loch Linnhe and the island of Mull beyond.  We took some photos and admired the 

Kerrera and Mull islands from tower

flowers and plants growing in quite a mild climate.  We 

cathedral and Astoria from tower

eventually descended and found a nice coffee shop for a hot chocolate.  After exploring a bit more of the town we rejoined the tender just after 1300 and made the short journey back to the Astoria.   



the terminal building from promenade

The ship weighed anchor at about 1500 and we spent some time on deck admiring the picturesque landscapes on either side as we exited the loch.  A short visit but well worth it.  We then relaxed and read as the boat made its way into open sea with the next stop Dublin tomorrow.  Our evening was spent eating, enjoying the company of shipmates and reading.