Water lily

We saw hundreds of beautiful water lilies like this one in the lochs and lochans along our cycling route from Lochboisdale to North Uist today. I always think that they look rather a formal plant for the remote Scottish islands. I wonder if I could grow one in my pond in my Edinburgh garden?

The first part of our journey was wonderful. The roads were very quiet, the terrain flat, and the weather fine. After the first 10 miles we stopped for a snack on one of the long South Uist beaches and declared our luck with the conditions on the day of our longest planned cycle ride together this holiday.

Back on the bikes again, all continued to go well until we reached Benbecula. Here we were caught in a torrential downpour that lasted about 20 minutes. Fortunately we carry wet weather gear and were able to change into it fast enough (at the Co-op, where another eight cyclists were also sheltering) to avoid a complete soaking. Mr hazelh declared that Benbecula hates us: we never seem to pass through this island in good weather.

The sun came out again almost as soon as we came off the causeway on North Uist. From here it was a a steady up-and-down, gently undulating, ride to Struan House at Bayhead. We are staying at this lovely remote bed and breakfast (with award winning garden - extra) for three nights.

Come supper time, we were back on our bikes again. We rode three miles to the Westford Inn for our evening meal. Mr hazelh was very impressed with the most extensive beer menu that we have seen on holiday so far.

Tomorrow there will be less cycling.

Exercise today: cycling (50 miles).