Potter around North Uist and, as is often the case in Scotland, come across an immaculately kept cemetery in the middle of nowhere but with a beautiful view over the sea. Love the inscription on one monument - like the fact that the person’s height is mentioned and then immediately it’s pointed out that he was ‘without pathological defect’. It’s almost saying that you’d expect someone that tall to be a nutter, but not this bloke. I think it’s a lovely epitaph.
Get the ferry across the Sound of Harris. This time it is an Alfa Romeo owner who doesn’t turn their alarm off… The crossing is slow and very zig zaggy as the ferry pick its way between the smaller islands and rocks. On occasion it slows to a virtual standstill as it navigates between the markers. The crossing is sunny and breezy and the view stunning.
I’m not particularly a ’driver’ - for me as long as car has a wheel in each corner and gets me from A to B safely and reliably I’m happy. However, the drive from Leverburgh to Tarbet around west Harris is fantastic, with views of orgasmic beauty. The scenery changes from sunny beaches to rocky outcrops with an almost lunar quality. In the distance is the island of Taransay, famous as the place where the BBC filmed Castaway back in 2000 and the series which gave us Ben Fogle. I reckon the two most successful ’reality’ TV stars are probably Ben Fogle and Jade Goody; still, one out of two isn’t bad. Noticed a few weeks ago that the producers of Castaway are about to film a new series, but in a warmer location…
I pull into the only petrol station in Tarbet. Diesel is an eye watering £1.06 a litre - but with scenery like this it’s worth ever single penny.
No comments:
Post a Comment