The 'Pillar' Island
I almost didn't get to Staffa. My trip was to Iona and I didn't think I had enough time there. On top of that, my neck was broken and in a brace, so climbing wasn't easy, not that I wasn't doing plenty of that on Iona!
But, I heard about the boat ride over the cold ocean with the winds whipping, and decided to go on a whim.
Whims can be a good thing. My only complaint was that there wasn't enough time. There is usually only one thing to see there, Fingals Cave, which is certainly worth the trip.
Then the great surprize! I was there around the Summer Solstice, during the two week period that the Puffins are on land to lay and hatch their eggs!
Getting to Staffa Isn't Easy, but Its Worth It! And The Trip Is Interesting.
Well, here we go.1. Take a plane to Heathrow Airport in England.
2. Get on a train to Scotland.
3. Take a train, bus or car to the Northern tip of Scotland.
4. Take a ferry to the Island of Mull.
5. Drive across the one lane road on Mull (if . someone comes toward you one will have to pull off of the road)
6. Take a ferry to Iona
7. On Iona, find the guy who takes his boat twice a day to Staffa.
8. Don't miss your way back because there is no shelter on Staffa.
The Trip to Staffa
Western Isles, Mull, Iona, Staffa-Fingal's Cave
Summer trip to the western Isles during an incredibly wet June 2007. Suddenly the rain stopped and the sun came out. If you have the weather, Scotland must be one of the greatest holiday destinations in the world, especially the Western Isles. Filmed by Mike Crowe http://webmovies4you.com
Runtime: 7:15
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The Little Island Up North
From Wikipedia: "Staffa (Scottish Gaelic: Stafa, pronounced [stAafa]) from the Old Norse for stave or pillar island, is an island of the Inner Hebrides in Argyll and Bute, Scotland. The Vikings gave it this name as its columnar basalt reminded them of their houses, which were built from vertically placed tree-logs."Its quite a sight. It isn't far from Iona, but you can't see it as the boat pulls out of the harbor. It doesn't look like much at first, then you notice those distinctive pillars. It looks as if the Gods used an immense crane to stack huge logs on end, side by side forming a gate which was then filled with dirt. I gave me a great idea for a flower bed at home!
Next you see Fingals Cave, a huge opening in the island. And then the steep stairs, the only way to get from the water, up the side of the island and onto land.
The closer I came the more enthralled I was. Broken neck and all, there was no way I wasn't going to climb those stairs to the top!
We had gone to see the Cave, but were then told about the Puffins. There was no way I wasn't going to see both!
Staffa and Fingal's Cave
Fingal's Cave, the Reason Most People Travel to Staffa
I walked into this sea cave on a ledge far above the water. That is how most people go in, although boats can enter. The idea was to listen for the 'weird echoes' that inspired Mendelssohn to write the Fingal's Cave overture in 1829.But I have to tell you that what I loved the most was the breathtaking views, going in, while and and coming out. I am not a cave lover, but the enormous height helped to relieve some of the claustrophobic effect of most caves. However, the swirling water so far below combined with the narrow ledge on which we walked got the adrenaline pumping.
But it was magnificent. If you are ever in the area, take the trip, the one lane roads, the numerous ferries and go to experience this.
Staffa Geology and Geography
"The Enigma At Staffa"
- One Man Uses Staffa to Teach Geology
- Please click on this link! In the first place you will see some pictures that are both amazing and beautiful. You will also learn about the mythology of Staffa as well as the geology in an interesting way. I wish this guy had been my science teacher. I had wanted to paraphrase him and incorporate it into my writing, but he is just too good. You should read his whole thing!
Puffins on the Isle of Staffa, Scotland
Puffin, The 'Little Brother"
Puffins are in the genus Fratercula, a word that is Latin for 'little brother' which is assumed to come from the black and white plummage resembling monks.The male starts the nest, but the females chip in and both incubate the eggs and feed the young. They mate for life.
They feed of plankton and small fish and are unique for the ability to hold several in their mouths at one time.
They spend most of the year in the ocean, but come to islands for two weeks to lay eggs and nurture their young.
After mating season their famed colorful beaks fall off and the under beak, a brown replaces that.
Puffin With Dinner
The Puffins and Me
After leaving the cave I wanted to go over the top of the island to experience the green grass growing on this hulk of rock and to see it from another angle.I rushed, which wasn't easy considering my neck was in a brace, but I hoped to see a glimpse of some Puffins. Puffins live on the ocean, but come to land for two weeks to hatch and get their young ones up and independent.
Wow! It seems that Puffins see human beings as their friends. Most birds are extremely wary of the funny thing that walks on two legs, but doesn't have wings or beaks.
The natural enemy of the Puffin is the Sea Gull. It is an aggressive bird and loves to eat Puffin babies. The Puffins know that when humans are present, the Sea Gulls aren't. Smart little things aren't they? So when the humans are around they can relax. If you are ever there during the last week of June, go to the top of the island and sit. You don't have to play statue, but just don't run around. You will soon be surrounded by flocks of Puffins going about their business.
Its pretty wonderful.
Puffin in Flight
Have You Ever Seen a Puffin?
JaguarJulie wrote...
Ah, is this a new lens? I don't know how I could have missed it as it looks like an absolutely remarkable place to visit. That Puffin With Dinner picture is fit for a framed poster!
Posted October 07, 2008
KimGiancaterino wrote...
What a beautiful place! I love the puffins. Welcome to All Things Travel.
Posted September 30, 2008
Frankster wrote...
Sounds like quite the trip. Broken neck? Yikes. Hope it's all better now. I love the photos of the puffin. You did visit at the right time. 5*s and favorite. Bear hugs, Frankie
Posted September 30, 2008
Margo_Arrowsmith wrote...
lol Although we had some days we could wear shorts, it was also very cold on several days. Thus the neck brace kept me nice and warm! And I wouldn't have missed it for anything!
Posted September 29, 2008
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Puffin and Staffa Books
Historic Visitors to Mull, Iona and Staffa
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The Staffa Name in History
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Iona, Staffa and Ross of Mull (OS Explorer Map Active)
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Taking Books on Vacation
Kindle: Amazon's Wireless Reading Device
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Its important to take books on vacation, for those delays in the airport, long flights and rainy days. I always find that when I have plenty to read I am less likely to need it!
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The Entrance to Fingal's Cave
From Inside Fingal's Cave
