Category: Family

The last few days we have been exploring Harris & Lewis on foot, by car and by horseback.

Tuesday saw us exploring Stornaway, on the Isle of Lewis. First we set out on foot for a short walk round the harbour and bay of Stornaway. The majority of the walk was inside the grounds of Stornaway castle, so an easy walk but that’s not to say it was without stunning scenery.

We had a few heavy rain showers at the start, always a test when you have not been walking for a while, but the sun soon came out to leave us bathed in wonderful warm sunshine.

Wednesday we jumped in the car and went down to the Isle of Harris, the home of the famous Harris Tweed.

The beaches were fantastic, Luskentyre beach looking over the Sound of Taransay has to be one of the finest beaches I have ever seen. We also heard our first Cuckoo.

We took a few snaps and in one of the better spots, I saw another photographer setup with tripod, waiting for the sun to emerge.

We drove to the other side of the Sound and stopped briefly at an Art Gallery called Hebridean Art. Some lovely paintings and we indulged in some retail therapy, buying a book of prints and a pretty ceramic dish.

They also served food and drink, and we had one of the best soups I had ever tasted. I had the vegetable and Caroline the Mushroom; served with fresh coffee and some lovely hot and fresh focaccia bread.

We carried on travelling round the Isle and reached a lovely little church called St Clement’s in Roghadal. We carried in the cameras and tripod, and I took the opportunity to practiced my HDR.

We ended the day treating ourselves to some classic Harris Tweed Jackets, while on Harris and a meal out in a lovely restaurant called Digby Chicks back on Lewis. The food was lovely, much better then the name of the restaurant suggests. I can recommend the Lamb and the Duck.

Thursday. Exploring the bay on horse back.

Today was a new experience for us both. We hired a couple of horses from the Hebridean Equestrian Centre, and after a quick lesson for me, as Caroline is the experienced horse rider not me, we headed through the country side. After a river crossing we headed for a large bay and spent the morning riding through the surf, an unforgettable experience for us both.

Thanks goes to Paddy (my steed), Jinty (Caroline’s steed), and Lucy our guide Carol’s steed.

Today was a quick trip across to Chesterfield and a family get together.

Over the course of this month it is Alan’s, Caroline’s, Angela’s, and Roberts Birthdays.

So a meet up, lots of cake, and fun and games with the Children and of course Tilly & Molly the two Labradors.

This week, it is my wonderful wife’s birthday.  We are taking tomorrow off work to go out for a nice meal.

As promised I have the DVD’s you wanted but did I get you an iPad?  You will just have to wait and see.

Lots of Love from all the family.

 

PS for Photographers out there, buying your partner some nice flowers also gives you the opportunity for you to practice your still life techniques.  Just don’t tell them!

Well, I managed a full week at work without being admitted to hospital, yeh!

We are both feeling much better.  Caroline had a hospital appointment this morning and was given the all clear, while I have my MRI Scan next Wednesday, to make sure there is nothing seriously wrong.

I must admit the hospital were amazed that two members of the same family were admitted to hospital within two hours of each other with different medical emergencies.

All of this means its now been three weeks since I rode any of the motorcycles or have even driven the car.  I am not too bothered about the car, but its killing me not to be riding my bike.

Hopefully I’ll be feeling up to it soon.

I was planning a photoshoot this weekend, with a top London Model, we have been trying to make our calendars match now for a couple of years but we both have very busy schedules.

Instead I might have a search round for some spring daffodils and practice my flower photography some more.

As you can see here I still need more practice.