Late autumn tales

Early November and we were away on a trip to Devon, returning via Wales. Stopped over in the Lake District for two nights en-route, in a holiday village type complex with apartments rather than hotel rooms. The final two hours of the journey were in the dark, howling winds and heavy rain so our reaction when being told that meals were not available was as you can probably;y imagine! Not so polite. However, we followed directions to a very nice pub in Greystoke where we enjoyed a good dinner. The straight but narrow road to and from the pub was spooky with flooded bits and tendrils of mist lurking in the dips. 
The next day was spend reacquainting ourselves with our favourite Lake District shops and sights. Have to report that some of the shop staff were in decidedly end of season mode - lost our business there then. No excuse for rudeness or a don't care attitude. Cunninghams in Ambleside came up trumps as always and gained our cash as a result. Gaynors and George Fisher might wish to take note that good customer service wins the day and the customer's cash.
The journey to Devon was fine and we were lucky again with the roads. Arrived for dinner - impeccable timing as always. 
Spent three days in Devon catching up with family and friends then dropped mum off in South Wales where she was to enjoy a week's break. The journey up through the Brecons was stunning and we did it while the light was still good. North Wales saw us manage a good walk to a local mountain before the weather caught us up again. Back on the road to home via the Drovers Inn at Ardlui on Loch Lomond and the Outlet Village at Gretna. The Drovers was interesting and very old. Dark rooms, four poster bed, good food, stuffed animals on the walls with a cold en-suite that did not look or feel very inviting. Headed off after a good breakfast the next day and made it home in daylight. 

Regular viewers will recognise the view from our house, now in November light. Beautiful but fleeting.

The remainder of November played the game beautifully. I managed to work my last couple of days and handed over sorted files and folders then put away the computer and ipad and that was me away from the world of work. Scary, exciting, and who knows what the future holds??

Anyway to celebrate the gorgeous display of late autumn weather we visited a couple of favourite spots and found some new ones too.  

A re-visit to the Old Man of Storr. All trees on the approach walk felled and a new track which delivered you to the same boggy gate. Climbed above the Old Man for our lunch spot. Clear blue skies, sunshine and just a little chilly. Always a stunning spot with views back to the Cuillin and across to the mainland. As we were leaving, we noticed the sign suggesting you go no further past this point - oops, already done that! Still no harm done.

Old Man view from lunch spot

Old Man with added person for perspective

We climbed to the base of the pillar after lunch and circumnavigated the rock. Very eroded and exposed in places with rocks that would be slippy when wet. Slithered down the scree back to the path and the car. Very few people out and about. 

Across to the mainland

A few days later we had to visit Portree so decided to explore the Fairy Glen. Not to be confused with the Fairy Pools in Glen Brittle. Took a very small road close to Uig and followed it past a few buildings to the end. Passed a couple of Rabbies buses parked up with their associated tourists spread throughout the glen even this late in November. However they were soon away and we had this weird and wonderful glen to ourselves. Difficult to describe but it is like a miniature Quiraing (somewhere else we have yet to venture) with lumps, bumps, mini ridges, waterfalls and rocky outcrops. 

View from above the rock outcrop Castle Ewen

Several of these rings around. Man-made or natural? This one had a load of money in the centre. Fairy Wishes maybe?

Huge waterfall across the glen. To visit another day.

The lumps and bumps of the Fairy Glen

Castle Ewen from the road - a surprisingly thin and airy ridge and small scramble to the top

Spent a while here exploring then drove to a layby with a view of the ferry port to enjoy pastries and cakes from the bakers in Portree. A lovely morning out and about. Fairy Glen not recommended during high season due to limited parking and number of tour buses. November is fine though. 

Finally, on the day after my last "official" day or working we headed for Talisker Bay to walk on the beach and had the added bonus of one of the most amazing sunsets I have seen. I took over 30 photos that evening as we watched the sun set over the small isles along with half a dozen other people. Including a couple that sat romantically on a blanket on the cold, damp sand and a chap with a metal "peg leg". As we walked back to the car we saw and heard an eagle soaring above the cliffs. Perfect end to a perfect day. 

 

 

What an amazing end to the day and to November. Enjoying it while we can as a BIG storm is forecast for the first week in December. Experiences of that one to follow. 

Meanwhile, while not travelling, working or out exploring, we continue to make headway with the croft. Watercourse excavated and cleared; more steps made, trees felled to make space for new growth and plans made for a super-compost heap and raised beds. We spied the seal close to the shore again and have a robin that accompanies us wherever we are working, probably to eat the worms that surface as we dig but nice to think it is following us. 
One final picture from a still day lochside (we cleared brush, dead wood and branches from the shore that day) Can report that the midgies have all gone for the winter.

A rare still day at low tide.

The croft is starting to take shape but there is loads still to be done.  Future visitors will be handed buckets and tools and directed to a certain spot with instructions. We are staring to make numerous paths through the woodland. ferns dying back now and more bits of the buried car are emerging. Headlight and an indicator fitting being the latest to wash down the burn. 

Tune in later for an account of the BIG STORM the first week in December.