Butt Of Lewis

Here in Scotland those shielding are finally allowed out for a walk.  We have had a walk around the neighbourhood and enjoyed every step, indeed every moment out of the garden and cottage.  After what seems like an eternity we ventured further afield yesterday.  So grab your cameras and sunglasses, a quick 2 minute drive will bring us to the Butt of Lewis and the very famous lighthouse.  How I have missed the glory of these beautiful views.  Each time I visit a different view of an ever changing seascape can be seen.

The foreboding cloud mass a warning on how quickly the weather can change here on our little Island paradise.

Only a few metres away from the edge of a cliff, a board showing the delights of what can be spotted at times in the surrounding area.

It was such a delight to see so many birds nesting in the nooks and crannies of the cliff face.  We stood well back so as not to disturb them, there screeching warning us to keep away.  No binoculars with us sadly but tomorrow is another day...

The little inlets allowing the sea to ebb and flow and crash with great gusto against the rocks.  Each wave reaching its crescendo as it nears land.  The very strength of the water causing froth in some areas as it whirls around below us.

 The sun causing a dappled image against the dark grey cliff, a shadowy mass so striking against the white of the crashing waves.  A stark contrast but highlighting the strength of the water.  It was a joy to sit awhile and take it all in, enjoying the sea air and the beauty that we were surrounded by.  Hope you too enjoyed our little tour.  I will share a little whistle stop tour of our favourite cove in the next post.

As always I do thank you for your visit and your warm and welcoming comments from previous posts.  Take care and stay safe in these very strange times.

See you soon.

Weekend

Thankfully, we had a very large store cupboard but this is becoming increasingly depleted day by day.  We had done a very large shop prior to lockdown.  We are blessed with a village store that delivers so we have been able to do a top up shop on a weekly basis.  Realistically, it is not affordable for us to replenish the store cupboard  there but we needed to do something.  Our daughter had sat up each night trying to get us a delivery slot at Tesco's to no avail so finally we phoned the help number on our high risk letter.  What a wonderful service, we now have a delivery slot for Thursday and have already put the order in.  Time will tell if we get it all.  There were some restrictions only 3 of the same item and a limit of 80 items per shop.  I must admit it was a great relief to us both.  That was Friday...

Saturday was spent baking and getting a few more animals ready to share with the Sunday school children.  Another poem was added to the journal which I will share at a later date.

Sunday, a traditional roast and listening to the Church services.  Life is very slow paced but it continues and we are blessed.  We have only had 6 cases on the Island with none of them hospitalised and no deaths due to Covid 19.

We finally managed a walk over the croft now that it is all dry it is easier to walk.  We knew there was nobody about you can see for miles but such a joy to get some fresh air and exercise a little.  It was nice to spend a couple of hours looking through past photos.  This time last year a little trip and walk by the lighthouse at the Butt of Lewis.

Hope you enjoyed reminiscing along with me? 

How was your weekend?  We are certainly living in strange times.  Take care and stay safe.

See you soon.

A Stroll Around The Butt Of Lewis

Good morning, what a beautiful morning it is here on the Isle of Lewis.  The sun is shining and the skies are blue, full of promise for the day to come.  The only disappointment there is no breeze and anywhere else I would be delighted.  But for those that know the Islands and indeed Scotland that can only mean one thing MIDGES.  Yes, they are out in force, biting and attacking everyone and everything in their path.  There are a lot of insects about and both Gerard and I are covered in bites...who knows from what.  We really do need to do some research on these biting creatures.  Locals have told us Avon Skin so Soft deters them but I am yet to be convinced.

Anyway, back to this morning rub in some sunscreen and jump into the car for a short drive up to the Butt of Lewis and the lighthouse.  I have taken you up there many times but today we are going to take a walk in the other direction.  Instead of the front and right, come with me and we will take a stroll to the left. 

There are still some of the gulls nesting, so they certainly make a racket as you approach.  Screeching to one another and warning each other of approaching danger.  We did try to limit any upset and kept well away.  It is a little bit of a climb but it is a gradual slope, so just take your time.

There was a lot of foam around but we couldn't work out from where.  It certainly wasn't the usual foam that evolved from thrashing against the rocks and stacks in the ocean.  There were waves but they certainly were not thrashing as usual but gently lapping against the formations creating a calming, serene and unassuming atmosphere.

A little bit further, so you need some stout shoes but the beauty never ceases to amaze.  The rock formations are a delight and it does encourage you to think about the different layers and colours.  It also makes you wonder who has walked in the steps you are taking before you.

I hope you have worked up an appetite for lunch, boiled ham fresh from the slow cooker with boiled eggs and salad.   The kettle is on for tea...

See you soon.