Learn from those who have walked before you

Last month, as I waited for the ferry back to Mull from Iona I got chatting to a lovely couple from the Lake District. Who seemed surprised that I was an Iona first timer. Insert gasp.

They shared their Iona highlight, a day trip to Staffa Island where they experienced the Puffins. As they spoke I spotted my new friend in the distance. The local lady from the day before.

I explained when they were on Puffin Island I bumped into the local as I was making my way to the south of the island. She told me Puffins were her favourite animal and started to make Puffin noises, while I looked on with wild eyes. I've never heard a Puffin, or seen one. It was a real life lesson in nature.

The lake distract lady couldn't remember hearing the noise of Puffins, so I stood at the ferry port with two complete strangers making the noise, as shared by the old lady.

Later, I wildly laughed thinking, 'can you imagine the old lady was pulling my leg and they don't sound like that'

I captured the local lady in this photo, a complete character, a true storyteller. I was captivated by her, laughter galore.

At 82 years young I asked her insights from a life on the island. Here they are:

1. What you put your mind to happens

2. Travelling is a gift

3. Keep feeling young by surrounding yourself with younger people

4. Worry less

She shared a story which started perfectly normal then turned into a song about a donkey, complete with face movements. I squealed, gasping for air.

As we left each other she sang the donkey song one last time, then shouted 'Au revoir' and I replied, 'until the next time'!

She was a hoot! And quite possibly the highlight of my trip.

My insight: Learn from those who have walked before you, and share what you learn. Oh, and visit Iona. It is next level!

I'll be back to visit the Puffins on Staffa Island.