Sandwood Bay, Sunshine and Seafood

We went to Sandwood Bay today with Heather and Ewan, while Ally, Cat and Davie walked to Achmelvich. It was a fine and breezy day; the hour and a half walk from Oldshoremore to the beach at Sandwood was very pleasant. As we arrived at the beach a huge rain cloud rolled over us and it looked as if we were about to get soaked. We found shelter behind a sand dune and James started brewing up some coffee, and by the time the kettle boiled the cloud had passed over us, the sky was blue and it remained sunny for the rest of the day! 

How lovely it was to be back at Sandwood Bay with Heather and Ewan; they were with us on our very first visit there eight years ago with all five children. There was a smart maroon coloured helicopter on the beach and we speculated as to the (sole) passenger's reason for being there - sight-seeing probably, but why by helicopter, and where else would he visit after the helicopter pilot whisked him off a short while later? Tempting though the thought was of being transported with such ease to the remote beach, I felt as if being "beamed in" like that would make it feel a bit less special - but maybe I am being too puritanical - arriving by helicopter would be very exciting! After some relaxing and a walk up and down the beach to re-visit our camping spot from two years ago, we set off back to the car; my legs were tired so it seemed a bit longer on the way back!

We called in at the Kylescu Hotel on our way back to Lochinver, which we stayed at two years ago and really liked. It was too late for afternoon tea so James had the inspired idea of having a drink followed by an early dinner! A quick phone call ensured that the "young ones" would arrange their own dinner (they went to the Caberfeidh). The food at the Kylescu was absolutely delicious and the main course that Heather and I chose was amazing; roasted cod with kale and ricotta cannelloni. The flavours worked so well together, and we both loved it. 

And then we headed back to the cottage where we chatted and Ally, Cat and Davie played a spirited game of Maltese dominoes. Another great day - and thanks to the surroundings and the company I felt so relaxed.