Take A Walk On The Westside

The sun didn't last long but at least the temperatures have remained so although not hot, we do not need the heating on.  Time has flown by this week, once again we could be heard wondering how we ever had time to go to work.  Our hobbies and jaunts out fill our days and we enjoy each others company immensely.  Today we had a drive out to the Westside of the Island and enjoyed a stroll around Arnol, where there is a blackhouse and Nature Reserve.

It looked a little overcast, there was a lot of low lying cloud but thankfully it stayed dry so we were able to enjoy our little tour.

The roof is a real delight to see, weighted down against the strong winds coming from the sea.

The blackhouse in ruins was a joy to see as it clearly showed how it had been built.  The layers and layers of rocks still in place so that each room could be visualised.

At the end of the one track road there was another hidden delight.  The RSPB nature reserve which we wanted to look at but it was a longer walk than anticipated so we had a short stroll and decided to return another day.

The meadow was a stunning sight, lush and awash with a multitude of wildflowers.

There were a multitude of species of birds that were just too quick for the camera, but it was a pleasure to see them darting from stem to stem.

The drystone walling is always a beautiful sight, we were left wondering how long it had been there and the families that had built it.  If only walls could talk...

See you soon.

Scenes From My Week

Midweek saw the sun come out and the temperatures rise so the perfect time to have a drive around our beautiful Island paradise.  We had nothing pre-planned but with camera in hand off we went on our tour around the West side of the Island.

First stop was a stone Sheiling, there are numerous ones scattered around on the moors, a seasonal dwelling that were lived in during the summer months when livestock was put to pasture.

Our next stop was Bragar where there is a whalebone arch.  It was erected by Murdo Morrisson a former postmaster.  The whalebone arch was formed using the jaw bones of a whale who had beached itself and died in Bragar bay.

We then went on to have a quick visit to a black house at Arnol and then on to  watch the waves breaking on the rocks nearby.

Sadly, the wonderful weather didn't last a storm headed in and ferries were once again cancelled today.  That is the Western Isles for you changeable weather is part of its make-up.

I think one of the things that strike me the most about the Island is the majestic skies, the cloud formations are amazing.  The ever changing views due to the weather are a delight.

Hope you enjoyed our little tour.  The winds are now howling around our little cottage so we have banked up the stove and poured ourselves a glass of wine.  Cheers, hope you have a wonderful weekend.

See you soon.