2010 Review - Hebrides

At last a bit of spare time in Lewis to explore on a weekend. At last I know what it feels like to walk across the peat (easier than I thought) and have the time to really savour the spaciousness, the sea, the land, the rocks, the moods.

Saturday night looking out along Loch Roag from above Tolsta Chaolais.

Sunday morning at Dalmore Beach just as the surfers were stepping out into the surf.

3000 million year old Lewisian Gneiss rocks.... amongst the oldest in the world (according to Wikipedia!).

Makes pretty interesting sand too...

All alone in a little cove along the coast from Dalmore I came across this very sick young seal. I sat with her for an hour and half while she looked at me but could obviously hardly move she was so weak. She even let me stroke her back and her flipper... though I am sure she'd much rather bitten my hand off, if she was able. It was an amazing thing to feel a wild animal breathe.

When I got to the top of the hill beyond the cove I managed to call wildlife rescue and via Somerset, Stornoway and Carloway a volunteer came out. Unfortunately the seal was too weak and swam off to the big blue ocean in the sky. I think of her often and her big knowing, gentle eyes.

Why is Harris Tweed made of so many colours?

The view back towards Dalmore... out of the picture to the left... Canada

2010 Review - July in Skye

A week in a cottage in Skye with Mum, sisters and three dogs. We had everything from days in from the wind & rain with the open fire to long walks to wind farms, coastal scenic meanders to stunning white coral beaches with intense blue skies. But NO midges!!!!

2010 Review - June in Lairg

A wee detour on the way home from the Hebrides through spectacular scenery on the West Coast and up to Lairg to pick up Mum from Belinda's. Always wonderful flowers to be seen in Belinda's garden, so a visit in summer is always going to be a treat. And well the Boys are always entertaining.... whether its fishing for tadpoles or chasing windscreen wipers... mad.

2010 Review - Luskentyre

I was asked to participate in a meeting regarding a new course on Harris Tweed that has been developed for Secondary Schools. The aim is to offer a 'shop window' for a new generation of the community in the Hebrides to the Harris Tweed industry, with the hope of raising awareness of the industry and the opportunities it can offer young people for future careers in weaving, working in the mills or in manufacturing products from Harris Tweed. A very exciting development.

After the meeting in Tarbert I had a few hours of daylight left in which to dash down to Luskentyre and wander aimlessly on the endless beach. I dip a toe in the clear sea.... but alas, its not as warm as Bronte or Tamarama. But the peace and space....serene.

2010 Review - Pubs and Abbeys

I think I should take up geology as I seem to be getting rather interested in rocks. For their variety, colour and texture but also of course for their impact on the landscape and the subsequent character they impart to man's craft in the built environment. Contrasting with the sharp horizontals of the stonework in Cumbria, on the other side of the M6 the limestone of Malham has a soft, round Yorkshire Pud type quality.

Further south to Bolton Abbey and a relaxing English summer afternoon under a tree by the river and tea and scones in the cafe with the hot pink geraniums, before we tackle the madness that is Manchester commuter traffic. Another world.