Beaches, the ferry and a wee dram

So, today we left Avalon B&B with no regrets (no tears goodbye etc etc (Walker brothers)) after a final breakfast and the handing over of cash. We drove to Horgabost beach where we walked to the end of the beach - pretty though it was, there was no comparison with the waves or the light in April but in compensation we did see the tractor launching the RIB that would take visitors to Taransay - although we didn't see any passengers. We considered walking to the headland but a fence was in the way so we drove to the next beach instead and parked up overlooking one of the most beautiful stretches of white sand possibly in the world, definitely in Europe. 
We then approached the headland from the other side, across the beach and into the dunes then uphill but thankfully not for long. (Muscles still remembering yesterday's exertions) 
Past the standing stone and up to the cairn where we had the best view yet of Taransay. We hear that it has just been sold - lucky beggars. Had our lunch at this glorious spot.
As always on this island, time runs away and it is time to head back to Tarbert for the ferry. It is a very busy ferry with all lines full of vehicles; we are one of the first to drive on and get handed a small red card on leaving the car - this time we are on the mezzanine deck which means the car will be elevated to a "floating" deck and we will be one of the last to leave.
Up on deck, the wind is blowing and it is cool enough for hats and gloves (today is the 1st July) The passengers are a cosmopolitan mix and we hear American, German, Australian and Scandinavian accents to name but a few. We leave precisely on time and watch Harris and Scalpay fade into the distance. 

Scalpay Bridge  from ferry

What is certain is that we will return to this beautiful island - possibly in November when Gary may well get his wish for a choppy crossing with "green water hitting the observation deck windows" The crossing today is smooth with not a roll in sight.
When we eventually drive off the ferry, having explained that there isn't a door to the mezzanine level; it is simply an elevated car deck to a confused american couple; we decide to wait for the traffic to ease before we head for the next and last B&B of this trip.
The Cuil Lodge B&B exemplifies everything a B&B should be - a warm welcome including decent coffee and shortbread; a small but beautifully appointed room with a view; no rules; information about the area and a guest lounge. We do still have to order breakfast though and the towels only just make it!
After a quick shower, we walk to the Ferry Inn which is 5 minutes away. A decent dinner followed by an exploration of the whiskies available in the lounge bar. The sound track during dinner included Mud classics, The Detroit Emeralds, The Iseley Brothers and Doctor Hook - obviously put together by someone from our own era.
Gary tries the Tobermory whisky. which leads to many Wombles songs and quotations and I try and like a Macallan single malt. We walk happliy back through the odd midge swarm, there being absolutely no wind this evening but no bites to report.
And so to bed with a view over the loch where the tide is swarming in quietly and the sun must be close to setting.
Tomorrow is plot visiting day before we head south to our home for the week.
Forgot to mention that we are meeting Mary on Monday evening at her house. which is only two miles from where we are staying, so that we can view a quarter acre plot and see the design mistakes she made and we can learn from.


Once again, pictures to follow! Will upload tomorrow.


From a very peaceful Cuil Lodge in Uig.