Into the Harbour at Last
The Magnificent Argus
Anyone who knows me is not surprised that the boat trip won, in spite of the rain. This is one of the best things about Plockton.
 This was my first trip in Calum's new boat, the Argus. The beloved and venerable Amanda C. rocked at rest (a lovely green now, instead of blue) while we watched the handsome Argus cruise up to the dock.
Argus is a lovely boat, stable and capacious, holding 50. And in the nick of time, as we were impressed and delighted to hear that Calum now has a contract with the famous luxury touring train, The Royal Scotsman.
Sea Otters in Loch Carron
 And so out into the waves. This time, we were to have a special treat -- sea otters! Once again, I was to grieve the loss of the good camera and its zoom, for the only usable shot shows only a wet and hungry head. But they were quite visible in real life, and we saw several.
Kishorn Islands and the Heronry
 But the best treat was just to be out on the water. Everything is so beautiful from that perspective. It was a joy to see again the old lighthouse, the heronry island, the Kishorns, and all the beautiful sights of Loch Carron. Plockton itself looks quite different from the sea, and you can get a much better sense of it. And just the feeling of it, wind and rain in my hair and the smell of the wild, clean sea loch.
And we were so happy to see Calum again. David saw right away why we all enjoy him so. Ah, the stories. As always, lots of new ones, but I enjoy the old ones even better -- no one tells them like Calum. David was in stitches. And Calum's warmth and easy going hospitality makes everyone feel welcome and included.
The Royal Scotsman
 In spite of the pouring rain, it seemed all too soon we returned to shore, not wanting to be late for the coming Royal Scotsman tour. I've enjoyed several times the sight of the Highlands Train coming past Duncraig Castle, but this time we were treated to the sight of the Royal Scotsman with its distinctive colours.
 With perfect timing, we pulled into the new floating dock just as the Scotsman's special bus brought the guests from the station to the dock. David helped Calum steady Argus, buffeted by the storm, as the travellers filed on board. One man hesitated, wondering whether he cared to suffer the weather. I could only tell him that I'd had a wonderful time, and that I hoped he'd take the opportunity. And so he boarded with the others.
Later, as I enjoyed the clan and savoured the hotel's smoked fish soup and garlic mushroom cocotte, the Scotsman guests returned and filed through the pub on their way to a special dinner put on by the hotel. They were all beaming, and as they passed they each said what a terrific time they'd had -- including the fellow who'd almost missed out.
Tom and Donna's Last Night in Plockton
A thought too horrible to consider now had to be faced -- this was our last night with Tom and Donna, at least for this trip. We wandered out to the dock so they could give their fries to the gulls and were going to take a stroll, but it was the coldest night of our stay, too cold, so we hugged and said goodnight.
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