A Walk On The Wild Side

 Sunday was overcast and dreary not really conducive for a stroll across the machair.  But after listening to the morning church service and over indulging with lunch, we both felt it was a good idea.  The wind was blowing and underfoot was very wet but it was worth a little bit of discomfort.  The views were indeed spectacular.  We took a left turn quite near our cottage down a single track road and this is what was at the end of the track.  We have been there before but it is still a delight to find this hidden treasure.

The bothy was amazing, it really does look like it has been made from an old building, maybe an old blackhouse dwelling.  What a place to sit and watch the sea and enjoy the natural surroundings.  The sea was wild creating some great waves, I must admit I wouldn't have wanted to be out on a boat.

As we were walking it was quite apparent that the seasons were changing.  There was a lot of brown where the thistles were changing colour from the vibrant green and purple.

What I love is wherever we walk there is always sheep and as I am such a yarn lover I always like to admire their coats.

All in all it was a delightful walk on the wild side...Hope you enjoyed coming along with me from your armchair.  Come on back to the cottage my neighbour has just made scones and I will put the kettle on.  This is the single track road.

We will have to sit outside I'm afraid the new restrictions have been announced and we are not allowed home visits.  We will of course abide by the rules but I must admit that I feel saddened by these steps, our social life is very much visiting each others homes.  I will do whatever it takes to be rid of this terrible virus that is sweeping the world. Take care and stay safe.

See you soon.

Evening Stroll

Good morning, a brighter day here on the Island.  We have plans to mow the lawns today and to give the tyre planters a tidy up.  There are some pots in the indoor garden that need to be brought outside and plants that need potting on into larger pots.  There is always something to do in the garden.  There seems to be a little wind so that should keep the midges away.

Thank you for all you comments on my last post, they make my heart sing that you enjoy visiting my humble space.  There was some interest in the Cunndal Memorial so I thought I would explain.  on the 15th March 1885 a fleet of fishing boats set off in calm weather, by the afternoon 15 miles out to sea they were caught in a gale and made for home.  For many reasons the harbour was inaccessible, 2 boats lost their 6 men to the sea.  All 12 men were from the village of Eoropie.  The body of one man was washed ashore sadly the other 11 were never recovered.  The sea has many a tail to tell and is not for the faint hearted.

On a lighter note after dinner last night we thought a stroll would be nice to walk off some of the calories.  Lockdown has been our excuse for our added pounds now we need to alter our ways and get ourselves a little fitter.  Our chosen spot was once again Eoropie this time parking by the children's park and walking across the meadow to the beach.  My goodness what a feast for the senses.  The meadow was ablaze with colour, you could hear the lambs and the thundering of the waves as they showed their power along the sand.  You could also smell the sea, the salty air encouraging sharp intakes of fresh air.

As we meandered down towards the sea it was like walking across a carpet of flowers, such a beautiful sight.  A mixture of varieties and colour it was a delight.

The water making its way down to flow away with the sea.  Keeping the grassland watered enabling its vibrant colour.  We did try to name all the varieties of flower but there were a couple that we need to look up.  It was nice to see a couple of baby rabbits hopping through the grasses after the past few years of disease amongst them.

Unusual to see someone else on the beach but there was a family walking their dog in the distance.

The different grasses growing through the sand adding to the beauty of this glorious beach.

Even the sheep were a joy to see, walking through the adjoining croft and nestling into one of the sand dunes.  The perfect end to a beautiful walk.  No home bakes today but I have got fresh fruit if you want to sit awhile.  We are allowed to mix a little more now socially distanced and outside, little steps but each step taking us closer to our visit to family.

Take care and stay safe.

See you soon.

Weekend Adventure

My apologies for not been around but I was having problems with my computer.  As you may know I am not very good with technology so was unable to do much about it.  So in the end I left it alone and waited for my son in law to return from their holiday.  He was able to repair it remotely, so here I am.  He is definitely a keeper.

What can I say about the weather, other than rain, rain and more rain.  It is doing wonders for the grass, and the machair.  The vibrant grassland is full of wildflowers and is a beautiful sight.

 

Thankfully we have had a few bright moments so it was a joy to take a short drive and see Eoropie beach from a distance.   Watching me, watching you... 

It is a joy to sit awhile and watch the sea as it makes its journey to the shore cascading against the rocks, spraying the surrounding area and then receding back into the swell to start its journey all over again.

Another quick drive to one of our favourite coves to sit awhile and admire the beauty.  We feel blessed that we are surrounded by such outstanding views and take every opportunity to soak up the ambience of this amazing Island.

Back home for some warming soup, bread from the machine and rhubarb crumble.  Much needed to warm up. 

I have made a start catching up with you all but will be around to visit as soon as I can.  Must get ready for my aerobics class...

See you soon.

Out And About

Finally the sun is shining on our little Island paradise, despite a little splattering of rain now and again.  It is one of those moments, shall I, shan't I?  Hang the washing out is what I am talking about.  There is the bedding and a stack of towels.  I think I am going to leave it for half an hour, enjoy a cup of tea and reevaluate.  Apparently the temperature is set to rise a little today so I am hopeful that I will finally get to wear some summery clothes.

We have not allowed the dull weather to stop us and have continued with our little adventures around the Island.  We actually discovered a single track road about 200 yards away from our little cottage that leads right down to the machair a Gaelic word meaning fertile low lying grassy plain.  Despite how dull and overcast is was still a delight to wander.

The car won't go much further so its time for a stroll.

I was amazed how still the water was, it will be nice to come back through the seasons and different weather fronts.

Not sure who the sheiling  belongs to but what an amazing view.  The stonework was a real delight to see.

There are signs of crofting life and particularly sheep all around.  We were trying to work out where our little cottage was but we couldn't see it has it sits in a dip behind the hill from the machair.  This is why we haven't a sea view unless you count standing on your tip toes from an attic window.

Hope you enjoyed the little tour, I took some photos of the wildflowers which I will share on another post.  I also have a couple of crochet finishes to share and of course a couple of new starts.  Hope you are not wilting in the heat.  Take care.

See you soon.