Callanish

Stunning morning, so we headed out on the bikes. The intention had been to make it to the Skoon Art Cafe, some 12 miles down the Golden Road. Given the length of time it's been since Mel has ridden any distance the undulating nature of the road proved a bit much, but it was a pleasant spin all the same (which I'd scoped out on Tuesday after our Ceapabhal climb). With the bikes rested it was back into the car and out to the cafe for some lovely salmon, and then coffee and shortbread - I can heartily recommend it to anyone who plans on heading to the islands.

Then a short hop down to Finsbay and the Mission House gallery, where I was particularly taken with one striking photo. Beka Globe is a very, very talented photographer - I love the high contrast black and white, and a particular sheep shot has taken my eye... Will think it over overnight.

With the weather seeming undecided on whether to stay fair, or go bleak once more we made for Lewis, and out to Uig Bay, where the Lewis Chessmen were found. This is a massive beach (I'll get round to getting a panorama online sometime) and proved a welcome diversion (after doing a loop around Bhaltos, where a colleague of mine comes from originally). The weather was definitely closing in, but there was time, and just enough light, to visit the Callanish stones (the benefit of visiting at 8.30ish as we did being there were only two other people there, and they disappeared soon after we arrived). Maybe perfect light would have ruined the atmosphere. That's what I was telling myself as I tried to make the best of it for some photos...

Oh, and tomorrow's St Kilda trip has also been cancelled. Seumas hasn't known a summer like it apparently. There's a tiny outside chance of it still going ahead on Friday, but I'm not holding out much hope after our Bass Rock experiences.

Callanish Silhouette
Isopod