The plots thicken and thin out a little

Before I get going with today's blog I must share last night's sunset with you. The rain cleared but the clouds still looked threatening then suddenly the moon appeared, the clouds got moody and the sun set in splendour. We headed to the shore where the best views are - this is at 2300 by the way - and it seemed the whole population of Ord had grabbed their camera and headed out to capture the moment. Quite a way to meet the neighbours. Oh, and the midges also came out to play, swarming above everyone's head but once again no bites to report.

Tuesday 4 July, Ord IoS, 2300 hrs

Wednesday
Where to start?
The rain arrived as promised; it has been chucking it down all day. Perfect weather for fooling around in fields full of wet grass, mud and rocks.
Anyway, we set off on our day tour of Skye and ended up in Glendale via Portree and Dunvegan. On the small road to Glendale, we had remembered a plot for sale by an agent based in Inverness - a quick call gave us the OK to pitch up and take a look around the site. This plot has easy access, great views across the loch and already has permission for a Dualchas house. I confess we spent a fair amount of time climbing small knolls, placing the house to take advantage of the views and generally were quite struck with the plot.
On past Glendale and into Milovaig - all five of the plots were in Lower Milovaig. The first was struck off the list because of impeded views and a funny shape! However the location of the second and third was great with sweeping views out to sea from a high vantage point. Both of a similar size, although different in price.
The final two were difficult to locate but we (Gary) eventually managed to orientate the plot map properly and we realise that both plots are away from the sea and one of them will overlook an existing property. Strike both of these. We give another the heave-ho as we try and work out how the required access road would scale the small rockface that apparently made up part of the plot. The agent's details confirmed this with an arrow pointing skywards with the word "plot" attached.
We have one final, new addition, to look at but this is so new to market there is no agent's board yet, although we think we spot the digger working on the access road. Quite expensive this one as it is "almost lochside"
We decide to drive on to Struan where we have a final two plots to look at. It is still raining and as we arrive in Struan, Gary spots a coffee shop so we stop for fuel (coffee and cakes) and an interesting talk with the owner. The shop has been open for six weeks, is doing quite well and also sells books, clothes, crafty things and wool, presumably for weaving. A very interesting place. The owner moved to Skye six years ago and loves it; she also knows the owner of one of the plots in Fiskavaig. You can see Fiskavaig from here; it looks like a small Greek village scattered over the hill above the loch. However there is no blue sea today; steely grey water and low cloud instead. As well as the coffee and cakes, we end up buying two books and her partner in their other shop in Broadford puts the third in the series aside for us to pick up on our way through.
Following her directions, we walk to the final plot for today which sits beside The Old Manse; again a good size plot with much potential.
We have made arrangements to meet with the owner of the elevated plot in Fiskavaig on Friday morning and will re-visit any other plot deserving of a second look. We try hard to draw up a shortlist for Mary to visit as well as a list of questions for owners / agents. 
Exhausted, we wind our way home via Broadford (book duly purchased) It is still pouring down as we settle in back at the house. We have plenty to think about this evening. The sound of the rain on the velux windows is quite soothing - I am so glad that we are not in a tent. We did experience a quick power failure earlier, alerted by the house phone beeping in desparation but our only concern of "what about dinner" was never an issue because of the Aga. Plenty of natural light for several hours yet.
Power now restored - and apparently the lift will always work in a downward motion if the power fails; best not forget anything then or you would be stuffed. It's a very odd thing to take the lift to the kitchen in the morning to make the early cup of coffee; there are no internal stairs in the house.
Tomorrow has been declared a day of little driving; some walking in the forest just up the road and a visit to Isle Ornsay to walk to the beach and around its shores; perhaps a trip to Armadale where the ferry arrives from Mallaig.
Sound track today was Leonard Cohen, Robbie Williams and The Who. Yesterday on our way back from Glen Brittle, we listened to most of War of the Worlds. Brilliant.