Mangersta

Today, we were lucky with the weather. Heavy rain at breakfast time that lessened as we got into the van to drive north.

We were aiming for Mangersta on the west coast of Lewis. The topography and the geology changed as we went further west. According to the geological map, the rocks of western Lewis belong to the Laxfordian granite complex. The landscape became more rugged.

We parked at the top of the track to walk to the beach. PG advised me not to descend below the ledge overlooking it, knowing I'm not too steady. Thus I missed most of the interesting stuff and was restricted to taking photos of the impressive sea stacks and waves beating against the cliffs.

You could see the rain moving in so I packed up and walked back to the car, knowing how long it had taken me to reach the ledge.

Everybody got to the car just as the rain set in again. But we managed to buy some coffee at a wonderful community shop just up the road. Called something like ABothe (sic). It had everything, including a good range of gluten free biscuits and a Post Office.

Back in the car to head for Aird Feinis where we sat and ate our sandwiches before getting out to view more sea stacks. Nothing between us and the USA and Canada at this point.

Then we drove to Reef (Rief) Bay which is a fabulous stretch of white sand thanks to the many shells thrown up on the beach. Even though cloudy, the sea was coloured aquamarine.

4 pm and PG was getting tired. Besides, the rain had started again, this time in earnest, and he had to drive back to Tarbert on narrow roads. Fortunately there isn't too much rush hour traffic on Lewis.

I'm sorry to be leaving the Hebrides in two days but won't miss clunking around in wellies. I wasn't able to wear my orthotics in them and my knee has begun to complain.

Enjoy the sea stacks of Mangersta.