A dramatic end to our Barra sojourn…

 

A dramatic end to our Barra sojourn…

Well, this is our last full day on Barra and also my own birthday.  The day started with the opening of presents and cards that our family had left with us before we left.

Then off to our favourite jetty and another painting, making the most of the hottest day of our holiday weather so far.

Not many birds around today but this is a rather nice photo of a Hooded Crow:

Down at the Airport Cafe I was disappointed not to see my favourite Pineapple Sponge in the glass cabinet – then suddenly Mick got it out of the fridge to give me a surprise!  Our coffees and giant slices of the gorgeous cake were on the house and we left with hugs and a promise to return another year!  It’s a wonderful place and Mick and Sharon, with all their lovely friendly staff deserve all the success they get.

The sky is a fantastic colour with water to match out on the airstrip.

I can’t resist yet another photo of one of my favourite scenes…

In Castlebay we took a small road to the east side of the bay and took this photo of the town itself to give another perspective

As we went round past the dock the lifeboat was coming in past the castle.  We wondered whether Angus was on board.

Our farewell tour had to take in Vatersay of course.  Not many birds but this handsome bull was looking suitably smug amongst his many ladies.

The water had taken on various shades of brown, turquoise, blue and green – never seen this phenomenon here before…

… And the magnificent Vatersay beach had a handful of people and a family enjoying the sea itself so perhaps the water wasn’t as cold as I imagined!

Lamb of the Day is awarded to this little sweetheart with his mum – you can just see the start of little horns on top of his head.

But sheep of the day has to go to this imperious looking character.

We had booked a table at Cafe Kisimul for 6pm.  Very friendly staff and a nice meal, if not memorable.  The airport café is definitely better value.

We arrived back at the campsite and were greeted with bunting over our pitch and a green and white flag (the flag of Barra)!

Bless Angus and Mary – they had done it for my birthday!  It was an emotional farewell with them both.  They are so typical of the people of this island.  Nothing is too much trouble and they are as friendly and helpful as can be!  A lovely couple and we were pleased to learn that Angus’s mother who lives in the next house up from them but had been taken to hospital while we were staying here, was now well and happily back in her home.  They also gave me a card and a bottle of wine.  Their youngest son, Seumas (pronounced Shaymus) is performing in a ‘Mod’ on Friday at South Uist (as Paul Hollywood!) together with music and poetry so we hope to go and see it.  It will all be in Gaelic but it should be fun.

Our day ended with yet another spectacular sunset (header) – a fitting conclusion to what has been an amazing four weeks on Barra.  Windy yes, a bit chilly yes, but the warmth of the island and its people makes it one of the best places on earth.  We will be back.