Lochmaddy, North Uist

Early yesterday evening a mist rolled in off the sea stopping at the shore line on Sollas Beach. The wind dropped and a watery sun lit the sand. It felt cold. No colder. The Oyster Catchers and Artic Terns were a chaotic scene of flapping wings and screeching calls as a larger predator dipped and dived. Despite the chaos, the cows and their calves penned in by wire fencing adorned with air drying seaweed, sat and chilled. 

Darkness falls late here, around eleven-thirty. Before that time a satsuma of a sun hung in a sky of fire. The sunsets here, when they happen are amazing.

The next morning we drove to nearby Lochmaddy to use the showers at the marina. Another eight pound spent, but this time it included two hot drinks. Above the rocks looking out across the harbour sat two stags. Their antlers a giveaway as they nestled in the long grass. Overhead an eagle flew back and forth. A beautiful sight. The gate to the facilities was open, and we weren't sure if we could use them or not. So we did. Whilst John was showering someone locked the outer gate. Oh dear! Fortunately a fisherman nearby told John the code to exit. Thank goodness. 

On then to an off-road park up just above yet another stunning beach. 

But upon our return from our walk we were shocked to see an ugly large white plastic box in front of us, blocking the view. What's wrong with people? A huge grassed area and they park almost touching us. Upset we left. We were fed up with the weather, and this was the final straw. We decided to leave the outer Hebrides and return to Skye. 

Tonight's night's park up is brilliant though. Another ten pound donation required, and there was just us and one other van. We walked out scanning the seaweed covered rocks for otters. Despite signs they'd been feeding they are illusive.

 Precariously crossing a wooden suspension bridge we stepped inside 'the Hut of Shadows'. A camera obscura. We couldn't stay out long though as we needed an early night. To have any hope of obtaining a standby ticket in the morning we had to be a the ferry terminal by six-thirty, so up at five.