Sunday 04/09/05

Went out with mrs B and her 2nd son (who arrived yesterday) to Traigh na Beirigh in Uig. It is very hazy but fairly sunny today. After a light lunch, we set off at 1pm down deserted streets and roads to arrive at Kneep one hour later. Here, mrs B's 3rd son has a caravan in a very nice location, overlooking the beach (see picture). Mrs B plants herself by a table and chats to her daughter in law and her kids. The eldest two boys run me over to Pabaigh Mor, about half a mile to the north. The water is cool if not cold. There is a small beach at the southern end of Pabay, which is where we land. A group of 4 is just leaving for Bhalasaigh in Great Bernera in a RIB. Just off the beach stand two small huts, both locked.  Behind them are two vegetable patches, both sunken into the ground. The greens are burned by sand and salt. Head north across the island, with one of the lads in tow, bare footed and silent. Pabay is a nightmare to negotiate, thistle, bogs, rock and what have you. Some fairly steep ridges traverse the island. After 40 minutes we reach the natural arch, near the narrows to Pabaigh Beag, to the north. The arch is 9 m / 30 ft high, a large cavern. Rocks have been spewn out on the far side. A fine lagoon lies inland. To the northwest a tidal race can be discerned between Bhaltos and Pabay. To the northeast lie the islands off Gt Bernera and Old Hill. Unfortunately, I did not bring a camera. Return to the beach at 5, which sports a nice clump of wild mint. Am ferried back to the caravan at 5.30. After a cuppa and a cake (and an abortive attempt at riding a trailbike) we return to SY. The strange thing was that there had been rain at Loch Ganvich and points east, judging by the puddles in the roadside. Stornoway town centre is busy, with everybody leaving church at 7.45.