Northern Marsh orchid

Today was my last day on Lewis.

I packed up my belongings into the car and said fond farewells to Richard and Jo. There was time to drive back to Mangersta. I wanted to see how the wild flowers had progressed in the week since I was there.

Most plants were similar, but the orchids are coming into their own now.

The more I study orchids, the harder it is for me to differentiated between some, especially the hybrids. (Excuses I know.)

I think this is an early purple marsh orchid.  There were plenty of others that looked like common spotted (a few) and marsh orchids (lots). The very purple ones stand out wherever you see them and they are taller and more robust.

It was fine again and quite warm at 20 degrees, but the sun was elusive!

I had an early lunch at the Community Café. They do such good food there. Then I was in good time for the afternoon ferry.

When I went to the dining area (for an early dinner) I found last night's band playing quietly and rehearsing. We had a good chat.

I posted yesterday before the concert.  Good Guy Hank  are a trio on fiddle/mandolin, guitar and bass. I found the music on the loud side and enjoyed it much more on the boat! Anyway they are a delightful group and I will be sending photos when I've had time to process them.

Despite being one of the first in the ferry queue, my car was on the mezzanine level, and one of the last off. I then drove to Strathpeffer and my room for the night. What3words proved excellent in finding a tricky address.

The place was a wing of a modern house. It was luxurious, but I was thrown by the many (many) notices exhorting guests to "be kind" and keep quiet between 11 and 7. Also to be quiet when leaving so as not to disturb the neighbours.

There were so many notices that I suspect there may have been problems in the past.

All I needed was a comfy bed for my last night.