An earlyish start to make sure we get to Fiskavaig in good time for out 1100 appointment with Kenny. We spot the other plot on the way but decide to take a look after we have seen no 20.
Kenny is dead on time and shows us the easy way to reach the plot although we still have to scramble over knee length grass and boggy ground.
Oh; the plot we thought was for sale is in fact sold and the one we should have been looking at adjoins it. This is higher up the hill which is good but closer to the hillock which is not so good as it gets in the way of some of the view. The buyer of the first plot has agreed to put in the access road which is started but seems abandoned. There are more questions than answers after looking at this one (cue a song) We thank Kenny for his time.
We head back via Portnalong which sounds as if it should have a port and it does but nothing else to write home about. Stop at the last plot and over the ditch and into the thigh high ferns and ankle snagging heather. There is no noticeable stake anywhere in the ground so it is difficult to sketch out the plot from the plan. We think we have it. The position of this one is good with the Cuillins on the horizon and Loch Harport below. However there is the small matter of a clump of bushes and small trees that would get in the way of the view - if they were flattened and say, used as fuel, problem solved. We don't really know if they are within the plot's boundaries or on the croftland surrounding it. Decide to ask the agent; also decide to ask if the vendor would sell the whole croft which runs right down to the lochside. Well we can ask!
Off to the Sligachan Inn for lunch which turns out to be larger than anticipated. There are great views today, the sun is out and the temperature is approaching 20 degrees. A fine day to finish our holiday / search for a plot of land.
Sounds today are Rod Stewart, Status Quo and Springstein - a bit retro perhaps but good tunes and the opportunity for some air guitar.
A final visit to the Co-op in Broadford and we head off to take a look at Camus Cross and Isle Ornsay. Camus Cross is a lovely bay with views across to the mainland; some nice properties close to the water and we spy a couple of Mary's designs. Isle Ornsay appears to consist of a hotel and a gallery and not very much parking. Having just eaten and not needing any art, we turn it round and head for home.
A thorough review of the plots we have seen leads to the final, final shortlist of four. The 3 acre plot in Bornesketaig; the plot at Skinidin; and the two we have seen today. Will speak with Mary early next week and ask her to look at them for us. In the meantime, we need to find a solicitor. this feels as if it is really going to happen.
Later this afternoon we both take a walk around the bay and also walk around to see the house the couple next door have bought; this sale has been made on the condition that the existing house is demolished and they will rebuild. We think we find it and it is a decent sized plot but there is a ton of work to do. Wise words from Mary who said that buying a wreck of a house is just buying an expensive plot. Still we wish them well; particularly as they will be building most of it themselves (well David will)
We can hear a seal this evening but can't see it. Saw a pair of herons at Camus Cross. Rumour has it that there is a basking shark around the bay but no sign that I can see and these beasts are meant to be huge.
On the wildlife front we have done poorly. No eagles, sea otters or puffins. Irritatingly the village notice board lists a whole load of sightings - otters helpfully noted as being spotted "at the otter place"
Evening rain finished, sun and midges back, birds making their usual mad noises and a light dinner enjoyed. A small glass or two of chilled chablis to finish off the week and we will be done. We will miss this place.
Tomorrow this blog will be silent as we will be installed in the travel lodge in Carlisle (South) and I have no intention of paying to connect. Also planning to arrive as late as possible so we only have to sleep and shower there. Note to self, book the hairdryer on arrival - if someone else gets there first my hair will revert to type. Luckily I travel with the straighteners at all times.
So that's it folks for a short while. I will summarise on Sunday, journey permitting.
Will also be updating as we move things along and decide what plot to buy and learn where we will live in the time between selling up (hopefully) and moving into our new home. So keep checking; you never know when things will start to happen.
No photos today although I did take a few with my phone; unfortunately the sun was out and I was unable to see what I was doing. There may also be some unexpected video footage; this will be deleted forthwith as soon as I find out how to do it.
Till Sunday xx
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