HARRIS !

Over the sea to Harris - breakfast eaten in the queue for the ferry. The clouds are clearing, still windy but bits of blue sky in the distance. We leave exactly on time - top deck for photos, wrapped up in heavy coats, hats and gloves. We seem to eat up the distance and the island of Harris hoves into view. Photo of first view attached for your delight and jealousy. How beautiful is that?? Off the ferry and hit the single track road (with passing places) for the 22 miles to Leverburgh close to where we are staying. Only we have to stop at white sand beaches, viewpoints, parking places and many other spots to take in the views. These are of a turquoise sea, crashing white waves, brilliant white beaches and mountains behind. I also saw Taransay for the first time in the flesh - another top ten ambition realised. Another photo attached for you. So we visit the (vast?) new Co-op we had been promised in Leverburgh - this has the best view of any car park I've ever been in, a fuel pump that you use then wander in to pay for and just about any item of food and hardware you can think of. (except for sausages) We stock up.And move on a mile down the coast road for our first sneaky pre-view of black sheep house where we will be staying this week. Initial impression is "where are the sea views" and "but there are neighbours". We find a place to eat our lunch then head off for an interesting drive on even smaller single track roads before we can reasonably present ourselves at the door and check in. The minute we do, all initial impressions are blown away. This is a Grand Designs winner and it is almost beyond description. The wrap around windows look directly out onto a tidal creek unobstructed. I have included a photo (gary is behind the window somewhere) The owners make us very welcome and show us around. This will be the only time we have ever slept on a platform above the lounge with no need to get out of bed really - just enjoy the views. We can see across the Sound of Harris to North Uist. The colours change all the time and the tide sneaks back in changing the view again. 
So settled in, glass of wine in hand, Pink Floyd on the Ipod, dinner menu decided and all that is left to do is enjoy the absolute peace and quiet. Sheep, seabirds and the ubiquitous chickens are our only visible companions. Watching the ferry come in from North Uist; we plan to take that trip later this week. Signing off now, very content and relaxed.