Saturday 1. 09. 2018

We left probably the best B and B on the planet this morning. Everything was perfect and the breakfast was outstanding. Our grateful thanks to Shona of Taylor Hill B and B in Leverburgh.

The wind of yesterday had finally subsided to just a waft which was not quite strong enough to deter the midgies who took seconds to locate our body heat and munch away. Along with the dying wind, the sun had hidden behind fluffy clouds which were definitely no longer fluffy. They sat brooding over the hills descending almost to the road. So a bit of a gloomy start but a perfect day for hill climbing!

The start of the climb over the hills between Harris and Lewis was not a disappointment. We love walking! After about 1km of pushing, we remounted and slowly pedalled onward and upward. The mist evaporated slowly and the scenery that emerged was spectacular. It does take your mind off complaining muscles. In this vacant mindset you may imagine my surprise when a voice cried Old Bones still rule! Our three aquaintances from our first overnight stay had pulled into a lay-by to say hi! Thank goodness we were actually riding (it was a very steep bit of hill). We now feature in photos which will travel back to America. Fame at last.!

The true upside of climbing up is that there is a going down bit to be unreservedly enjoyed - and we did. We have now arrived in Lewis and the topography has changed and gentled out a bit.We have arrived in Balallan and tomorrow should see us almost at the end of this magical set of islands.