Calgary Bay, Mull

Another beautiful weekend with a group of amazing women to remember an amazing woman! My friends Christy, Ashley, Anna and I rented a car and made the journey out to the Isle of Mull for the two year anniversary of the sad day my Mum passed away. Since my family and I scattered her ashes on Mull's Calgary Bay, I was so grateful to be there on June 12th.

Getting to the ferry on time was a bit hit and miss, as we got a text message from the ferry company 2 hours before our ferry departed saying the road we needed to take was closed because of a derailed train! The detour added an extra hour but we made it to the ferry just in time. Friday was a bit rainy and grey, but we made the best of it as always. Being back on Calgary Bay brought back a great deal of emotions but I was so happy to be there. The plan was to camp on the beach, but when we arrived we discovered it was a protected area. A cute camp site beside the beach was just as good though! We had to share with other people which changed my idea of the beach being a secluded place just for my Mum, but it is gorgeous- of course other people would want to enjoy it as well.

We went for a wonder along the shore line that afternoon, made a delicious dinner and a great fire. We befriended the two guys camping beside us who turned out to be divers and affectionately became know as Scuba Scott and Kiwi. However, their idea of fire making included a large container of petrol. We were not having that, so I proceeded to make a fabulous fire the proper way. They looked very sheepish for most of the evening, and I have to admit to feeling very proud of myself! Once it was completely dark, Anna provided great entertainment with her fire poy.

Saturday was the perfect day! I spent time on the beach in the morning taking in the sights, sounds and smell of the sea. We then walked out to the mouth of the bay. The sun was shining and it was glorious to be outside. What struck me the most on our walk was the amount of life that was around. Birds, insects, flowers, sheep, sea life was everywhere! It made me smile to know my Mum was part of it all.

Scuba Scott and Kiwi took us out on their boat to find basking sharks in the afternoon. Part of me was a bit hesitant to go off on a wild adventure with new people on this particular day, but then it occurred to me that it was perfect. Mum loved a good adventure, especially when the sea was involved! No sharks to be found, but it was very fun to see Mull from a different perspective. Later that day we met two other fabulous women. Carole, a 74 year old who was so excited to hear all about our journeys and Lily a 3 year old who was filled with such fire and charisma! These ladies reminded me of the fire, charisma and joy my mother had.

We had a delicious BBQ on the beach that night, drank red wine and enjoyed chocolate cake. Another tribute of course! I know the rest of my family would have loved to be there on the beach with us that night, so I decided to make sure they were there in spirit. Once it was dark, my friends and I launched a 100% biodegradable chinese lantern over the bay, each with a name written on. They were stunning and it felt like the perfect thing to do that evening.

On Sunday we packed up and said goodbye to Calgary Bay then headed to a wee restaurant for coffee that my family and I had visited 2 years ago. It was nice to be back. The ferry back to the mainland wasn't until 7 pm so we decided to let the wind take us where it would. We ended up at the last traditional cheese farm in the Hebrides which happened to have a gorgeous cafe just right for lunch. The rest of the afternoon was spent shopping in a little town called Tobermory and writing postcards while sitting by the harbor.

I can't believe 2 years has passed since my Mum left us and cannot believe how much my life has changed since then. But I am grateful to be living in Edinburgh with incredible friends and to have the opportunity to be free, live well and never forget.