Iona 5, Sandeels Bay, Village, Abbey

Woke to a rather dull morning today so did very little until it was time to go out for coffee. We popped along to the Argyll Hotel only to find them with a dishwasher crisis and no coffee available so went instead to the St Columba. After a relaxing time doing very little, we went across to the Larder shop to pick up our sandwiches for tomorrow. We're going out on a boat to Lunga and Staffa for 5-6 hours including 3-4 on shore so hopefully we'll have can seas. We thought we'd treat ourselves to some nice sandwiches. They weren't ready however so we had to go back later to pick them up. At least they'll still be fairly fresh
We popped over to the craft shop and picked up a couple of bits and pieces then into the Heritage Centre. The place is very quiet which is great for us, but tough on those trying to make a living.
After our lunch we walked along to Sandeels Bay and I collected a large number of cowrie and other tiny shells I need them like a hole in the head but I love collecting them.
There were so many birds around, a wide variety of sea birds as well as a heron gliding along the shore. There are lots of hooded crows around too which we don't see in Edinburgh. The area outside my bedroom seems to be a bird day care centre I'm forever seeing baby birds sitting there. The collage has a young blackbird, a young goldfinch and a couple of young swallows one of which must win the prize for the bird most like daffy duck!
The centre of the collage is carved on the arch in Iona Abbey, I'm not sure if it a green man or what, I've a feeling it may be an imp or devil trapped in the Holy stones. Can't quite remember. I shall research but my Internet is very slow just now.
I was in this abbey this evening for a healing service so lots of prayers for those who I know who need them.
I'm glad we're keeping mask wearing in Scotland, our numbers seem to be reducing at last. I just wish the vaccine figures were going up a bit more quickly to help to keep things that way. Keep safe everyone.