SUNDAY 14th July: Barra-South Uist

It seemed a windy windy night.  We both woke aware that the south westerly had strengthened overnight.  Got out of bed to refuel ourselves for another long long long day.  We had been promised the missing peas for breakfast from the night before (you really had to have been there).  But alas, no peas.  Vaughan was the epitome of professionalism.

View from our bedroom

Isle of Barra Hotel receptionist

At this point we wish to make clear that our references to techinical inadequacies in yesterday’s blog referred to our inability to work the technology we were presented with!

After a gentle start to the morning, we set off.  So gentle was our morning, that we had inadequate time to get to Vatersay and back and be sure of catching the ferry to Eriskay.  So we had coffee instead.

It was a pretty stiff wind, which was helpful when behind us and a significant handicap when in our faces.  We had a uneventful trip up to Barra Airport where we disembarked and had a walk across the dunes in our bare feet and paddled (Bob: correct spelling??) in the Atlantic.  We were under the impression that the North Atlantic Drift kept this bit of water warm.  What’s going wrong?  It was baltic!

Barra Airport and landing strip

Baltic feet in baltic sea

Back on the bikes.  We followed the single track road to nowhere and came back again, having decided that we would collect photographs of red telephone boxes. Watch this space.

Headed for the ferry in PLENTY of time. taking advantage of our pre-packed lunch (jelly pieces) and the availabilty of vending machines containing hot chocolate and Snickers (only ’cause the Twirl option wouldn’t work – believe me, we tried).

Jelly piece and carb juice (thanks for the bottle ‘Ticket to Ride’)

As ever, CalMac left on time (thanks CalMac), and we headed for the vast and sunny shores of South Uist via Eriskay.  We arrived in Eriskay and headed – as you would – for The Politician pub.  It was only when we got there we realised how hungry we were – it was seven hours since breakfast – and a pint and a bowl of lentil + bacon soup seemed in order.

Onward – and upward we headed toward the Polachar Inn.  And here you find us, currently sitting with the slowest PC in the entire universe.  Neil – we applaud you and will be there for the termination of said PC :).

Reference said PC, we are now two days behind with pictures but, as we’d like to get some sleep tonight, we’ll defer picture downloading till tomorrow … possibly.