Tarbert and the crossing to Skye...

Sunday, 8th May - continued - (Catch-up)

Moving on from the stones, the drive down to Tarbert on Harris is quite rugged and spectacular. Went past Loch Seaview, and saw some waterfalls coming down the steep slopes from overnight rain.

The run down to the sea is very reminiscent of the area around Ullapool, but then you come upon an oasis of trees and a sheltered area where our hotel was.

 We had booked this hotel ahead, and our room wasn't ready so we had a nice cuppa in one of their lounges, which overlooks their beautiful garden. The hotel has been in the family for a long time, and they are very helpful and friendly. This was to be one of our "expensive" nights, (balanced by quite a few more reasonable ones), and we were given a beautiful room looking out to the garden. 

Dinner that night was in the hotel, (they had rightfully assumed we would do so, as there isn't much else in the town), and gave us five pounds per person off our bill because we were not having breakfast, but eating on the early ferry.

We later took a run to the other side of the area, which was a big mistake as far as roads are concerned, but some of the views across the water were just great.

Later, we did the required walk down to the town and found out where we had to take the car in the morning, and then had a wine in our room (surprise!)

Whilst we were sitting there, with the window open, (no flies), I suddenly realised I could hear a cuckoo!

Quick as a flash I got out my voice recorder and managed to get some of the sound. Just magic, cause we don't have them in OZ.

Dinner was really nice with all the things I like, such as white tablecloths, silver cutlery, nice wine glasses, plenty of space, and good food. Lee had some really nice roast beef with veg, and mine was Loin of Pork, with a wonderful sauce made from apple juice and mustard and cream!
Then we both had a very nice strawberry dessert, but I spilt the juice down the front of a light blue polo shirt!! Good one Gordon.

(We are paying for all the nice food and the lack of regular exercise. Oh well!)

I should take room photo's BEFORE we move in and trash them!!!


We had to be down at the ferry by 6.30am, and all was OK, and again the efficiency of the Calmac team kicks in and we all boarded on time, and we had a small breakfast on board.


This crossing was not a smooth one, with some wind and some swells, and not a good one for going out on deck. Lee had a sore eye, which had become bloodshot, so we stayed indoors for the 2 hour crossing to Uig. (pronounced "you-ig")


Next time... our favourite Castle, and another small ferry ride to Mallaig