I could stop right there, and you’d have a pretty good idea of what this place is like. But here are more pictures, starting with some random bits of beauty, because they are everywhere.

Also worth mentions: the roads, and the sheep. This is a two way road:

For those who have not driven here, there are pull off spots along the road. When you see a car coming at you, you and the other driver spontaneously negotiate who will pull off and who will continue on. As you pull alongside each other, both parties wave. Jay estimates that he has waved 350-400 times in the past few days.

I am convinced that all of this waving is part of what gives Mull its relaxed, cozy feel. Everyone is connected here, because this is a place where you cannot ignore your neighbors. Just getting from one place to another, you are constantly acknowledging their presence. And there is an explicit, shared recognition of the need for cooperation and courtesy.

Also, there are sheep. They cover the hills,  cross the roads, visit the local tourist sites.

Here they are having a day at the beach.

Here they are walking a labyrinth at the Calgary art and nature center.

We started our first full day here at the Center, where sculptures dot the landscape.

Some are carved by human hands

And some by nature.

We continued on until we arrived at a white sand beach

A quick goodbye to these guys, who insisted I take their picture. Or maybe they were expecting something else.

Along the road back

A quick hop on the ferry to the tiny island of Ulva to see one of the last remaining thatched houses around.

Day’s end.