Stressful start to the day. Despite two reassurances from the hotel that a boxed breakfast would be ready it wasn't! Went to the restaurant and they chucked a hissy fit saying they don't do them. I got my antsy pants on and out my foot down and managed to get some small bags to put bad brekky of pastries in and shot out the door. We got a little confused with our taxi and our instructions. The tour company gave us an addy and then said outside McDonalds. But there is 300m between the two places! It's pitch black and pissing down and we're wandering and stressing about the meeting point.
So standing on the highway we look up and a bus is coming through the car Park! Phew! First on and good seats so I thought. Humph! They're allocated. We apparently pick up a guide at the next stop so somewhere we're going to have to tell them we are not coming back. Will wait until we get to Tobermory in case it's not allowed and they want to kick us off. Rules are made to be tested right?
Who's daft idea was it to catch a tour bus? I confess it was mine. But dammit it was the only way to get here! Bus load of Chinese and we were two of a handful of not!
Poor tour if you were looking for one but it was our transport. When we got out and got our packs the guide says "you're not returning with us?" Nope! Said we were walking from here to Niagara. "There is cars for that" "you're crazy" and the usual run of comments when people don't get long distance walking! But a high five followed!
In a pub for lunch with a beer taster to start.
Finally got off on the boat to Flowerpot Island, named because it has columns of rock which apparently look like flower pots. If you look hard, maybe. Tour took us over a couple of ancient wrecks which are visible because the water is so clear.
Think this is good because it's our drinking water on the trail. I'm struggling with that psychologically because I look at this massive body of water and I think ocean and salt water. I can't get into my head that this is perfect fresh water.
Tour continued to the island and our dopey tour guide told us there was a cave and other stuff to look at beyond the usual short trail most do and points them out to us thinking we would enjoy because most won't go that far but there is a longer trail but we wouldn't get back in time so don't do it.
Ho hum. The cave and interesting bits have been closed for a while and the long trip we wouldn't make was over in 45 minutes. Sheesh! His reputation with me continued to decline.
Took the boat back and got to meet Tom and Laura. These two are responsible for this area of the trail and were really the only people to help us with planning and stuff. It was awesome to meet them and they are off on another hike on Tuesday.
Tomorrow we finally start the walk. The next two days are apparently the hardest on the trail. It gets easier from here. That's what they all say anyway. Lots of rocks to negotiate. And really? It doesn't matter. We're off doing what we love.