Before the Rain!

Tony finally conquered Suilven today and the cloud lifted off the summit to give him superb views too.  It was a steep climb to the ridge and then up to the top and he said the worst was coming down the steep paths, but enjoyed his long day nevertheless and was back before the rain set in.

I set off in the morning sunshine to walk the path towards Achmelvich Bay.  I was determined to be disciplined because my dicky knee limit is three miles so the plan was to turn round and return at 1.5 miles.  I was hoping to blip views from the top of the hill and I wasn't disappointed.  Suilven was clear of cloud for the first time since our arrival and I could see Loch Inver bay and the houses bordering the bay road.  I also had a view across to the Quinag range and the peaks of Assynt.

The top of the hill was a scattering of gneiss rock with abundant wild plants:  yellow vetch; heather; cotton grass; tomentil, bog myrtle just some of them.  The path dropped down through a bog myrtle bog and I took a couple of pieces to stick in my Tilley hat as it's good for keeping midges at bay.

As I neared my halfway point, the path descended again, this time into a scrubby wood which extended as far as I could see so I took the decision to turn and retrace my steps with those great views across the bay accompanying my descent.

Back at our accommodation I had a quick croissant and cuppa then went back out to see if there was a space on the 12.00 wildlife boat trip.  I walked through the village to the marina and was lucky, there was room for me.  What followed was ninety minutes surrounded by two different kinds of dolphins.  I have never seen so many in one place and it was magical and heartening, if not easy to blip!  I chose this blip because of Suilven in the background, still clear of cloud.

Back at the marina, I walked to An Cala cafe and enjoyed a coffee with apple cake and ice cream before picking up shopping at the Spar and returning to the Old Coastguard Station.  Tony arrived within minutes too.  A good day for us both!

Better on black!


Tick League:  Tony  0 Wendy 1