Monday 16 October 2017

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.


36 comments:

  1. What utter bliss to live in a place where the shops and businesses are closed on a Sunday. I love that.

    Stay safe in this storm that is coming. We already have the wind which started in the last half an hour and the sky is looking pretty ominous.
    Hugs-x-

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  2. Wonderful photographs of a dramatic looking sea. Stay safe and warm. It sounds like you are as prepared as you can be.

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  3. Yes, I did enjoy the tour! It is just so beautiful, and I can almost hear the waves breaking and the wind. I too love that businesses are closed on Sunday. I remember hearing that Hurricane Ophelia was heading in your direction. Your home sounds cozy and safe.

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  4. Beautiful water photos. Glad your headache went away.

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  5. Oh my!
    To live where stores and shops close on Sunday??
    Glorious!
    Be safe and sound and cozy, my friend.
    Thanks for taking us along! : )

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  6. Praying that Ophelia will be pass quickly ... the photos you have shared are just stunning!

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  7. Great pictures !
    Stay safe !
    Have a cozy day !
    Anna

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  8. we apparently are only going to get wind tonight but we have had a really eire day today with a red sun and strange light until about an hour ago , It is supposed to be dust from the Amazon , Stay safe where you are xxx

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  9. Hope you do not get hit hard. Stay safe and warm.

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  10. Stay safe. I don't think Ophelia's supposed to be coming our way but the sky's been a funny colour all day, it hasn't really got light. I hope the forecasters haven't had another Michael Fish moment.

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  11. I've been reading about Ophelia and hope she continues to downgrade. I see that Ireland has been badly affected with two people dead, at this point.
    How lovely to live in a place where shops and businesses are closed on Sunday. I think such a policy forces people to slow down, even if they don't attend services.
    Sounds like you are well prepared for what might come from Ophelia. Take care.

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  12. Wonderful photos! Stay safe.

    We had a wild weekend - over 5 1/2 inches of rain on Saturday and wild winds on Sunday. The wind made for some lovely photos on the lake!

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  13. How wonderful to just be able to go out for a stroll, to literally blow the cobwebs and clear the mind. There is something about the sea that really soothes the soul regardless of whether it is calm or wild.

    Wonderful that the shops are all closed on Sunday. Regardless of what you believe I think that is a good idea and helps to slow the pace of life down, and also means that things are planned, and probably eliminates unnecessary spending.

    Hope you don't get battered too much by the storm. Around two this afternoon the sun was looking quite red in the sky and the whole atmosphere changed and there was an ominous glow to the sky. The wind has since picked up and it is quite wild out there.

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  14. Lovely photos as always, stay safe x

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  15. Hope you haven't sustained any damage from the storm. Have been following it and the raging fires in California. Terrible disasters all over the world. Stay safe and hope the storm is rapidly downgraded.

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  16. Love the scenery and the waves. You make it all so real I felt the chill and went to turn the heat up. LOL

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  17. I hope you are all safe from the wind and rain with the Hurricane. After having just gone through Hurricane Irma I know how you feel. Often a big storm will bring on headaches with all the pressure changes. Hope you are feeling better.

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  18. Stay safe and cozy. Hopefully, the blow has passed and you are sleeping away the night.

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  19. Stay safe! Beautiful photos. Here in Montreal, there is one area where most of the stores are closed on a Sunday. It is Westmount. :)

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  20. I'm glad the winds cleared your headache. The photos are quite stunning. I find it very refreshing to hear that some still honor Sunday. I wish that would happen here but I don't think it ever will. Praying for safety for all of you.
    Blessings,
    Betsy

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  21. The weatherfolk on our TV US weather channel were just reporting on Ophelia hitting Ireland, with Scotland and England bracing for lashing rain as well and I'm praying for safety for all. I have loved seeing your gorgeous growing grands, your beautifully feathered cottage, and the sights around you in Scotland and on your travels, Lorraine. In Burbank, CA, recently I dashed into a Disney store to give a Winnie-the-Pooh bear a hug :) so appreciated your dash into a Disney store, too. Your lovely crafting inspires me to want to do more. My oldest sister and some of my nieces and nephews had to evacuate their homes because of the CA wildfires, but they are safe and progress is being made in dousing the fires. I am thinking of you as you continue to adjust to the loss of your nephew, and am glad that you are finding good fellowship in your local Church of Scotland.
    Thanks so much for posting...I will try to post soon :)

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  22. I love seeing your new surroundings. Hoping the storm passed by without too much trouble for you.

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  23. I'm glad the brisk wind blew the cobwebs out of your head and left it clear and non-achey! I loved seeing all your storm tossed seas. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

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  24. You seem well prepared for blustery weather. The photos of the waves crashing on the rocks and the misty scenes are very atmospheric. Thank you for the tour and now I hope all is well with you and you are keeping warm at home.

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  25. I hope the storm passed by without any damage. You live in a beautiful with great surroundings. Most of the shops and businesses are closed on Sunday where we live.

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  26. I doubt it's possible to take a bad photograph where you live!

    Hope the wind wasn't too bad overnight and did no damage.

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  27. When I heard about the storm I was immediately thinking of you and told my friends where you live. They said they would be scared but I told them that you are very well equipped. The landscape looks so wild especially in this weather conditions, it must be wonderful going home and have a hot drink !

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  28. These are crazy scary times. I hope that you are all safe and warm.
    Amalia
    xo

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  29. I hope the worst has passed now, and that you are safe. Things have calmed down here in Glasgow. It was pretty wild and noisy but no damage in the neighbourhood as far as I can see. I remember when not so long ago, there were debates about ferry and planes services to you island on Sundays. It sounds idyllic to have a day of rest on Sunday but I don't think I would handle it well, working all week, there is often only Sunday to stock up on food. Have a peaceful day, beside the fire with a cup of tea. xx

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  30. Beautiful photos and please stay safe.

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  31. We have been following the storm reports online and hope that it will spare friends and fellow bloggers from serious harm. It's always good to make preparations ahead of time and it seems that you have done that, Lorraine. Thanks for sharing the images which did make it look like a nasty weather day and glad your headache was cured by the outdoors...good thing not to get too close to those cliffs too.

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  32. Best way to get rid of a head ache, beautiful scenery

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  33. Great photos, thanks for the tour. xx

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  34. Stay safe, hope it blows over quickly. You'll have to collect some of that seaweed for your garden.

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  35. Thank you for the tour. I love seascapes and coastline views. The Dun Eistean sigh: what did those two logos signify? Your description of that destination has me intrigued. I look forward to seeing photos from your travels there one day.

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  36. That would have been a little scary, but the drama makes life interesting, does it not? And you look adorable decked out in your weather gear.

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