To The Pipers 16.6.09

So that's It I'm sitting in a very comfortable B+B "The Wireless Cottage"

Today is the first day I have had a real head wind and it was horrendous. So with the weather turning I have decided to call it a day and leave Barra for another time.

So with my tired sun burnt legs at last resting with a hot cup of tea in my hand Its time to think of all the wonderful memories that I have gathered on my trip.

The Blind Biker, Mad Max biker, The Lad from Trinidad, the cyclist biking down the edge of Britain, Sun burnt knees, numb bum, porridge, banana's, breakfastt bars, Beer and chilling out at the Black House. Its been some voyage.

As a complete fluke pipers are playing in the local pub the
" Lochboisedale Hotel" tonight and its looks like its gonna be some night.......Here's to the Pipers.

Windy Bernery 15.6.09

The day dawned clear and windy. So it was down to the usual chores of breakfast, packing up and a final check to see that I hadn't left anything behind.
I said my "good bye's" and left the bunkhouse for the open road.
As I followed the coastal route round the Island the day grew hotter and hotter. With the result I had a pair of knees that resembled two bright red beacons with my ears beginning to fry also. Stopped at the Naafi Shop at benbecula for some much needed sun cream and supplies of food.

With the stunning scenery I stopped several times to catch the view's and take photos. With day slowly simmering into evening I arrived at the campsite to pitch my tent and go of in search of a much needed beer where I enjoyed a couple games of pool with a local. After supper a stroll along a deserted beech to catch the last rays of sun finishing off with a pint at the Dark Island Hotel.

Extract from Diary 14-06-2009.

Awoke to a full cooked breakfast and a big pot of tea it was hard to leave the generosity given by my hosts.
But continue on I must.
As I write this I am on the ferry to Bernery and Noth Uist I wish that Elaine and the kids were here.




The bunkhouse at Bernery is one of these special places in the world it has a magic calming influence. Camping at bunkhouses is fun because of the rich variety of people you meet all with a story to tell. You are not alone for long.
The weather is warm and fair. Looking to getting on the road tomorrow, who knows whom I might meet.

Bad Sleep 13.6.09

Extract from Diary 13-06-2009.



Bad sleep last night never the less up and at it to have big bowl of porridge, marmalade and a steaming pot of tea. Its started raining too. " Oh well" time to pack up and hit the road.

That was some day the Clisham Pass was very steep, never ending but the scenery was stunning (no Eagles Though)


As I wright this I am comfy in a warm bed at my cousins Ali and Cathlene who offered a bed for the night at Tarbert. Ali showed me the fish farms in the evening. the air was clear quiet warm and still.

What a day.

All along The Edge to Myself 12.6.09

Extract from Diary 12-06-2009.
Arrival:
Left Ullapool with A Heavy heart as I didn't like leaving Elaine all alone at the pier.
So with the thoughts of tomorrows run drifting through my head I settle into the campsite at Stornoway with a windswept semi landscaped aspect. The wind is rising with a distinct chill in the air.
Hopefully tomorrow will be OK.
While I was on the ferry I met "Mad Max" on his old K1000 motor bike and his Friends one of whom was blind riding pillion.

Time for the Off draws nearer

"OOH ere !"
The time for me going draws near. My gear is spread across the bedroom and i am wondering how its all going to fit in.
My wife has just resorted to shaking her head in miss belief. The Kids just laugh.
Inside my gut are turning at the thought (Its only a week at the West coast of Scotland an area I know well).
An its raining cats, Dogs, pigs, cows, and anything else the great god almighty wishes to through down. "Oh Well"
Back to the packing I suppose.
One more night of work and its off tomorrow to the wide blue yonder ....so to speak

Thats a Date Then

That's it I have finally set a date to set off on this trip.
So on the Friday 12th June I head off to Ullapool to catch the ferry to Stornoway.
Training has been going fine and I have been biking to work over the hill as much as I can, getting about 50 to 70 miles a week.
Woohoo !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!