The Calm Before The Storm

Hurricane Ophelia although now downgraded to a storm is on its way over, apparently due to hit here later today, early evening.  It is already quite windy so I do wonder about the impact.  The locals just seem to take everything in their stride and whilst some activities/meetings have been cancelled for this evening there appears to be very little preparation.   Apparently electric supplies can be cut, but we are now ready for that.  We had a large log delivery on Saturday too so that is now stored and stacked.  In fact we lit the stove yesterday but in the end had to let it go out, we were just too hot.  Anything that can be moved has been stored in the outbuilding, so not causing any damage if the wind lifts it.  This needed doing anyway, so it is another thing ticked off the list.

We attended Church as usual yesterday but didn't stay for the fellowship afterwards as I had a terrible headache, making me feel quite ill.  Sunday observance is still adhered to here on the Island.  No shops or business's open which I find quite refreshing after the hustle and bustle that we are used to.  However, I needed to get some fresh air to blow the cobwebs away and hopefully clear the headache so we went for a stroll around the Butt of Lewis.  The waves were crashing along the shoreline, sending spray feet upwards only to retreat and start the whole process once again. 

We were very careful not to get too close to the edge, the wind was quite fierce and was whipping the sea into a whirlpool in one of the inlets.  The sound of the waves crashing against the rocks was quite deafening.

It cleared away the cobwebs and the headache, fresh air the natural soother was all that was needed.  The little cove we visited when the children visited was a real delight with the waves thrashing against land in the distance.

The back of St Moulags Church looked quite mysterious as the mist started to envelope the building as the evening drew in.

We had a little drive around the stunning coastline and came across this sign.

On our return home I googled Dun Eistean and found that it is an archaelogical site on an inter-tidal stack.  There is a bridge connecting it the mainland.  The wind was building so we decided it was not the right time but certainly worth a visit when the weather improves.  I did take a photo of the fort from a distance so again worth a visit when the weather is suitable.

Our final stop was at the Port where once again the waves were breaking along the shoreline, bringing in seaweed and spraying the port walls.

Thankfully I was suitably dressed and enjoyed the ever changing view.  The turbulent water never still but quite formidable.  Not a force to be taken lightly.  Hot chocolate and lemon cake was all ready for our return.  Hope you enjoyed the little tour.

See you soon.