Western Isles - Day 2
Tues ..... So we were ready to head for Berneray, some 74 miles from the south end of Barra. - and the start of an epic journey.
Obviously part of me was keenly watching the weather. - Gail force winds, rain, sleet and hail was forecast. - you know, perfect November normal weather. ...
With teeth gritted we said goodbye to Mike over a coffee then left at 8am for the short 8 miles across Barra to the ferry port for the boat trip to Eriskay.
Arrived there quickly. Nice view with sun appearing behind some clouds. A few cars parked and the odd local waiting for the ferry which was at 925am.
Ferry took 40mins to get to there. - as we arrived the wind picked up and this would be a common theme for the next 67 miles.
We went into the local shop and stood out like 2 sour plooms lol - breakfast was a chicken curry pie. Boak. - we left Eriskay via the adjoining causeway and was quickly into South Uist. - following the route we planned on the garmin's - the roads were quite flat.
Half was up South Uist, the rain started. Stopped and put waterproofs on in a bus shelter watching as the hail stones bucked down. - Christ now it was dawning where we were. And when. But being stubborn Scotsmen we battered on and it quickly passed.
As we crossed another causeway we were soon on The isle of Benbeculla - to me crossing this isle. No phone signal. 38mph winds, fantastic views, the odd Hail and rain was the accumulation of a life long cycling ambition. To say that me and the 2 wheeler have crossed Benbeculla is a highlight of 2013, and a true indication of the significance of my year of cycling. - that Boardman has proudly been here. - John o groats. To Brighton. Cumbria. Silverstone. Ullapool. Skye. Not forgetting Amsterdam, central Holland as well. - covered over 4300 miles since nov 2012. - truly awesome IMHO.
After Benbeculla we were soon in North Uist and continued our journey. - another 25 miles passed then we seen signs for the ferry that would take us to Harris the mora at Berneray.
Soon we were on this isle and passed the ferry port. - a few miles later we passed the local shop, got something for dinner. - and headed to find the thatched beach side hostel that you just turn up at. - you can't book. Lol.
Arrived around 430pm just as the heavens opened. - we had the entire place to ourselves.
A quiet leisurely evening was had. No phone signal. Got the fire going and chilled. As I type this I'm just going to my kip....
Alarm set for 6am. Ferry to Harris is at 8am and takes an hr. ..... And the start of the next stage of our journey. - to Stornaway :).
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Obviously part of me was keenly watching the weather. - Gail force winds, rain, sleet and hail was forecast. - you know, perfect November normal weather. ...
With teeth gritted we said goodbye to Mike over a coffee then left at 8am for the short 8 miles across Barra to the ferry port for the boat trip to Eriskay.
Arrived there quickly. Nice view with sun appearing behind some clouds. A few cars parked and the odd local waiting for the ferry which was at 925am.
Ferry took 40mins to get to there. - as we arrived the wind picked up and this would be a common theme for the next 67 miles.
We went into the local shop and stood out like 2 sour plooms lol - breakfast was a chicken curry pie. Boak. - we left Eriskay via the adjoining causeway and was quickly into South Uist. - following the route we planned on the garmin's - the roads were quite flat.
Half was up South Uist, the rain started. Stopped and put waterproofs on in a bus shelter watching as the hail stones bucked down. - Christ now it was dawning where we were. And when. But being stubborn Scotsmen we battered on and it quickly passed.
As we crossed another causeway we were soon on The isle of Benbeculla - to me crossing this isle. No phone signal. 38mph winds, fantastic views, the odd Hail and rain was the accumulation of a life long cycling ambition. To say that me and the 2 wheeler have crossed Benbeculla is a highlight of 2013, and a true indication of the significance of my year of cycling. - that Boardman has proudly been here. - John o groats. To Brighton. Cumbria. Silverstone. Ullapool. Skye. Not forgetting Amsterdam, central Holland as well. - covered over 4300 miles since nov 2012. - truly awesome IMHO.
After Benbeculla we were soon in North Uist and continued our journey. - another 25 miles passed then we seen signs for the ferry that would take us to Harris the mora at Berneray. Soon we were on this isle and passed the ferry port. - a few miles later we passed the local shop, got something for dinner. - and headed to find the thatched beach side hostel that you just turn up at. - you can't book. Lol.
Arrived around 430pm just as the heavens opened. - we had the entire place to ourselves.
A quiet leisurely evening was had. No phone signal. Got the fire going and chilled. As I type this I'm just going to my kip....
Alarm set for 6am. Ferry to Harris is at 8am and takes an hr. ..... And the start of the next stage of our journey. - to Stornaway :).
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
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