Wading into history

Today we walked to "The Strand" which is a stretch of tidal water where you can cross over to Oronsay - an island to the south of Colonsay.

We got there a little early and had to wait for an hour or so until the tide went out to wadeable height. The dogs had a ball crossing - though I have to admit it was cold. 1 kilometre is a big wade, so we got used to the temperature just in time for the conditions underfoot to turn a bit spiky. The broken shells for the last 500ft were excruciatingly painful, but like grasshopper, we endured it, helped out helped by sections of soft luxuriant seaweed.

Oronsay was great. There was an RSPB run farm - like a showfarm in its perfection - adjoining a 14th century priory exhibiting some perfectly preserved medieval headstones carved by the priors to order.

On the walk back we had a nose at Seal Cottage - just about the perfect getaway hebridean cottage in every sense - stunning views, sandy beach, driftwood furniture. Unfortunately it's owned by a rich canadian woman that won't share it with anyone - you'd think there were plenty of wilderness properties in that big empty country - oh well! If I win the lottery, I'll make her an offer!