Paddling about....

First days out of the year, what a lovely day. I went out out with my long lost cousin... Bob, what a great day.

Started out on the beach on the south end of of Loch Gruinard, as the tide was in it was an easy put in .... that always means a long walk on the way back and it was. We followed the coast up to Laide and then across to Gruinard island. The wind was behind us and it was a bit of a quick trip across. The western coast of Gruinard was beautiful, lovely arches and caves, the eastern coast is a bit less dramatic but lovely. The southern end is a pebble spit where there is the remains of steading. From the south of the island we headed round the 'Large heathery island' and back into the bay, it was a long carry out... but after such a great day it was a small price to pay.

Despite a promise of a nice day, the rain started as I had breakfast and was still falling as I ate lunch. Popped down to Gairloch to the Mountain Cafe, coffee was good but the scone was a definate 'rock cake'. Bob decided he might shrink if he got wet so he headed south, leaving Mark and I to get wet.... so off we went. We left from my favourite beach on Loch Ewe and headed round the headland to Eilean Furadh Mor, finally the rain stopped. Meandered back and headed for home, another lovely day, rain what rain...