Tuesday 26/04/05

Heading for Huisinis today, and meet my Swiss companions from yesterday on the Harris bus. The 3 dead sheep still lie around at the Grimshader turning. Cannot understand how people can sleep through that gorgeous section between Balallan and Tarbert. Change buses at Tarbert, and say goodbye to Dieter and Conny. They are going to Molinginish and Reinigeadal and on into the general Harris wilderness to camp. Not my scene. After a cuppa in Firstfruits, I joined the yellow CnES bus to Huisinis. Driver dumps an old wheel outside Bunavoneadar, near the old whaling station. Another of Lord Leverhulme's failed projects, like the Ness to Tolsta road which never came about. Nice views from the winding B887, of Mulla bho Thuath & Dheas, as well as Teileasbhal and Uisgneabhal. Further up, Sron Scourst towers above Glen Miavaig. A big bag of potatoes is delivered to Cliasmol School, which sits about a mile outside the village. Arriver at Huisinis at 12.40, a few minutes early. Not got much time there, about an hour and a half. Need to be back at the Gobhaig turning at 3.20, in order to make my connections into Stornoway. Go across the machair to the northern side and look over to Scarp. Then it's up the steep hillside of Huiseabhal Beag, where Scarp is more clearly visible. The houses in Breanais, Uig, are just about discernible from there. Also close by is the magnificent beach of Traigh Mheilen. Have to go back after only half a mile, due to time constraints. Arrive at the Gobhaig roadend at 2.40, after shaking off another fanclub (sheep). Just before the CnES bus returns to Ardhasaig, smoke can be seen rising from Glen Skeaudale. Library is about to close in Tarbert, but I can just about check my emails. Back in SY at 5.45, after changing buses at Balallan. Cloud came rolling in at 2 o'clock, but it stayed dry. It was very mild, 16C