Vatersay, Outer Hebrides (day 2)

After yesterday's uncomfortable sailing stomachs are a little more settled today. Once again another beautiful sunny day in Scotland. The wind during the night was fierce, but this morning all the small tents around us were still in place. Muddy Marge had stood fast. There's no moving her. We decided we would stay here tonight once again, as did the lady next to us. Why wouldn't we? It's so peaceful here, and the views are absolutely stunning. We thought the island of Mull was a little slice of heaven, Vatersey has taken it up a notch. Unlike Mull there a very few birds, and we are missing the sounds of early morning brought to us from the oyster catchers, plovers, seagulls, sheep and that annoying cuckoo! We are however enjoying the whistle of the curlews.

Not really sure how much to wrap up, we walked out down onto bright white sandy beach, a few footprints already marked a path along the shore. John collected some small colourful shells, and sea glass for a future project. After leaving the beach we climbed the hill at the end of the bay passing by some sombre looking cows with their adorable calves. 

One of the cows stared at us with a very judgemental stare. So we passed by quickly. The views from the too of the hill were breathtaking.Vatersay is the southernmost inhabited island in the outer Hebrides.

Up on top of the hill the stunning white-sand beaches and waters more turquoise from above took our breath away. After descending the hill we crossed the sand dunes, stopping at the Annie Jane memorial, erected in memory of the people aboard this ship when it was shipwrecked on the nearby rocks back in 1853.⁸

Back at Marge, more conversation with our neighbour. It's great being part of this type of travelling community. People who love nature, and want to camp at idyllic spots. We all feel comfortable in each other's company. We are happy to ask for help, give advice, suggest and receive recommendations of places to visit.

After lunch another short walk along the road to the Catalina memorial site. In 1944 the plane crashed after flying off course during a night-time navigation exercise. Three of the nine crew were killed. All very sad. Tomorrow we are going to drive the short distance to Barra. A big thank you to the community of Vatersey for providing overnight parking for visiting vans, an excellent cafe, clean toilets and showers.We are excited about exploring Barra, and are hopeful the good weather we've experienced whilst being in Scotland will continue.