I'm now in Leverburgh, the southern most point of the Isle of Harris. Did have plans to head further south to the Uist islands but the weather has turned rather awful. And I need to head back towards the mainland to Edinburgh to see Marjorie before she goes to the Galapagos islands. And then I'll be meeting up with Leilani, Tully and Dan who'll probably be in Northern Italy by then.

This place though (the Hebrides islands) is just amazing. I will definitely be coming back here one day, in the summertime. Gorgeous beaches - I didn't imagine there could be nice beaches in Scotland - and so much waterlife to see. Otters, seals, whales, puffins and other migratory birds. Just fantastic. Would have loved to have seen some more of these animals this time but unfortunatley, I'm here just at the wrong time really. It has been gorgeous all the same and I have had some lovely experienced.

Stayed in Tarbert, a little tiny nothing town on 24th, Tuesday (ok, yes it was nice, don't want to offend the Tarbertans) and met some more backpacker-types. Gareth (from London) and Steve (from Aus but working in London for 7 years) were travelling on motorbikes north. We went to the local pub and played some pool. 1st game I absolutely sucked (as usual) but then after a couple of pints (thanks boys) I was playing ok. Beat both the guys - they weren't too happy. I think they were worried I was going to set the place on fire or something :P
Gareth [left], me, Steve [right] at the tiny pub.

The local bank... Tully, you could work for these guys. Little van would suit you :)

I then hitched south from Tarbert (about 20 miles) and that was a great way to see the west coast. Just happened to get dropped off at some of the great beaches. Then I'd check it out, take some pics and try and hitch another lift. Got three in total (one older lady to Luskentyre, man with two kids to Horgborst, lady going to Pilates in Leverburgh). All so friendly!! Great community and culture on these islands.
The bustop where I was dropped near the turn-off to Luskentyre.

The view from the bustop, can see famous Luskentyre beach.

Horgobost beach

View north of Horgobost, Luskentyre is to right of this pic around the headland.

Now hanging out in one of the nicest hostels I've been in (would want to be for £14 a night :)). See here: Am Bothan. Great outlook to the lochs and the bay and a lovely fireplace and living room. Just a great atmosphere and the owner is so lovely. He's letting me use his computer to type this and use the internet.

I went for a walk this afternoon to Rodel Church which just south-east of here, 6 mile (approx 10km) round-trip walk. I took Daisy the Border Terrier along with me. Beautiful coastline and just a lot of empty space. On the walk back along the road from the Church I was only passed by one car for the whole 3 mile...

Daisy all rugged up by the fire.

A cairn by the roadway.

Rodel church (1520s-1550s) where the tomb of Alexander MacLeod is. Apparently people kept nicking bits of his skeleton so eventually they took him out and sent him on a holiday to the cemetary - he is buried in a secret location.

Me in front of Alexandra McLeod's tomb.

Ooooh these would look great as a stove splashback dear.