Treading Water

 Friday May 20

The penultimate day of a trip is always a mixed pleasure. Enjoying where you are, whilst knowing that it's come to an end, and also looking forward to the comforts of home again. To-day's dichotomies were compounded by the uncertainty of travel arrangements. Finally, late morning, I had an email from CalMac stating that we were on the 5 o'clock ferry, not the 8 a.m. on which we were originally booked. Ian and Sue are also on the late ferry. Very unsuitable for our needs, we have no choice.

That brought up the problem of where to stay the night. No way was it feasible for Pam to drive as far as Carlisle Todhills after getting onto Skye at 7 p.m. I found us a room at Dumbarton Travelodge, north of Glasgow, which has a 24 hour desk. I then phoned them to inform of our late arrival, probably between 11 and midnight I hope. That will give Pam a night's rest before travelling home - we need to be there on Sunday.

That done, we went to Bayhead for fuel - 4p per litre more expensive than when we arrived - and then Loch Sandaray. No sign of the reported Glaucous Gull, nor the Wood Sandpiper. The male Ruff is still there , the Reeve isn't. He did do a part display to a Redshank. The power of testosterone.


 

A last visit to Committee Road on a sunny day with far less wind, Short-eared Owl, male Hen Harrier, three Wheatears, Stonechat, Ravens, and Grey Heron. No big boys today.

No hurry to pack now, we have time in the morning. We still need to be out by ten o'clock as Heather's next tenants are travelling from Harris , so are not affected by the ferry problem. The latest on the ferry damage which brought about the problem,  is that the workmen who are re-building the quay at Lochmaddy left two large spikes sticking out from the structure. It was they that ripped open the hull.

Other islanders such as those of Arran, are not best pleased at having their ferry taken away to be used on our run. CalMac are in big trouble in Scotland for not renewing their elderly fleet, which keeps breaking down. Two new vessels, costing millions, are still full of faults, therefore being refused as they are not seaworthy.


 

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