Eriskay Heights

The weather was absolutely beautiful again today and we all set off by ferry at 11.10 across the Sound of Barra to Eriskay. Lovely views of many islands on the 40 minute crossing, it was warm enough to stand on deck and look at all the different blues of the sea, with violet patches where there are seaweed covered rocks beneath. The ferryman was so friendly that when I asked him if there was a coffee machine for Ally he went and made him a coffee! On our arrival we went for a drink to Am Politician Pub and Ewan and James were allowed to see and hold two bottles of the original whisky from the wreck in 1941 that inspired Compton Mackenzie to write Whisky Galore. Then we crossed the causeway to South Uist where we had a delicious lunch at the Polochar Inn. I had Barra hand dived scallops for my main course - yummy. Back to Eriskay and all eight of us climbed Beinn Sciathan. My tummy was very full and I burped scallopy burps all the way up! At 600 feet I found it challenging but feasible, I was delighted to get to the summit at about the same time as everyone else. I wonder if my fitness has improved a little after this active holiday - if so I want to keep it up. I have been having some chats about fitness with Heather and she has given me some good advice. The "jungens" - Ewan told us that is the German for young people, because I feel that at 17 and 15 it doesn't seem quite right to call them children - were great, all of them so fit and very happy to be out walking. It's really nice that they get on so well. After our descent and a quick visit to St Michael's Church with its lovely ship's prow altar, it was back to Am Politician for another drink before heading back to Barra on the 6.30 ferry. I think we were all tired from the walk and all the sunshine and fresh air. We popped round to the Isle of Barra hotel for a very nice meal then back to Heather and Ewan's cottage for a pleasant chat, we were listening to Heather's iphone music on James' speaker. When we went to bed we were virtuously exhausted after our great day.