It has been two weeks now since we came back from Scotland, and finally we had the time to go through all photos from our trip. It’s interesting, how some pictures can bring up memories of the moment in which they were taken. Here are few to share.
Already when we were crossing to South Uist, we knew a storm would come during the night. We aimed at the Uisinish Bothy. In the next few days we had first chance to experience what the weather on Outer Hebrides may look like. This photo captures the moment when we were going to put more boulders on our kayaks to ensure they won’t be blown away in imminent force 9.
We paddled for six or seven hours in a big variety of conditions and ended up paddling into increasing headwind and rain. Shortly after we landed and managed to put our tent up a car stopped by. We were offered freshly prepared crab and selection of cakes. Including coffe and walnut one! What a perfect finish to paddling day.
Have we mentioned the weather yet? This was the beginning of summer half term in England and Natalie finally got the snow she was talking about all winter.
We were looking for somewhere to pitch our tent for the next few nights. there wasn’t much land suitable. Until we spotted this flat patch of grass, which promised some privacy from dog walkers. Who cared it was in plain view of the whole village of Port Ness. This photo was taken at midnight.
When we were crossing from Hirta to Boreray the sea was smooth with swell like rolling carpet underneath. The sea and space were so huge that these stacks looked like mere boulders rather than the two hundreds meters high rocks, they were.
As we were approaching Boreray the loudness of the sea was deafened by the cacophony of the birds. With every meter we came closer the sound of the gannets’ wings slicing through the air got louder and louder.
There were moments, when we thought that the tent would have it, as it often seemed that someone was throwing buckets of gravel on it. Yet, after each episode we were rewarded by spectacular displays of nature’s art.
At one point, while following he coast of this beatiful island, Natalie decided to claim it her own. She scribbled her initial there for everybody to know.
After a while we got used to the size of the swell. If we thought we paddled in big swell before, here it was much bigger. Several times we were given the chance to have birds view of each other. When the waves hit the cliffs the sea became, even more spectacular and added special features to its repertoire.
We landed in Uig Bay hopeful that the weather would finally give in and we could try to catch up with our original plan. Although this never happened, we spent several nights there being entertained by its people, landscape and weather.
This is the moment when I realised how fortunate I am. I was paddling into the sunset. The sea had an atmosphere. I was heading into an iconic location. The time was incredible. And at that point I started to think, what else could one wish for. Then I realised, it was to be able to share this with your most closest and loved one. And here I was, paddling into the sunset with my wife.
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