At last our summer holidays. After much deliberation we are heading off to-day. The weather is not looking good and as we are not looking to spend two weeks stormbound on Rona, we will get away this afternoon. The last week has been busy, trying to get things in order for Calum and Irene coming. They will take over caretaking duties for us which makes for a stress free time off Rona.

Storm Force Continuing

This past week’s storm was still going Monday but with the week getting shorter there was lots to do and check. Calum had dipped the kerosene tanks and they were getting low. Things tend to run out at this time!!!!!!!

Topping Up

We had 2000 litres of kerosene up top so there was no need to be waiting for a boat and that brings the tanks up to winter levels, a relief.

Stuck Fast

We got all that out of the way and then had to organise a delivery of sheep, 6 ewes and a tup from Richard at Kilmuir to Rona. Tuesday morning was bright and no breeze so it looked like a good day for working at the sheep. First thing I got a shout from L, there was a lamb stuck right behind the house. I have never seen a lamb so stuck and if this had happened elsewhere goodness knows when we would have found it. After much cutting and cursing I got it out. But to-day (Thursday) I see it is trailing a new piece of bramble!!

We are missing a few sheep so I took a look around the cliffs but drew a blank. I did come up onto the high point just as the darkness came in and the Bay looked pretty quiet after the past week’s gales. Walking through the forest I came across this sparrow hawk, very dead. It looked very young, I guess it died of starvation because of the weather.

Weather Beaten

Tuesday came to an end with a promise of a better day Wednesday and good to see as the trip to Portree was on.

Better Weather Ahead

Wednesday morning up early and off to Portree on MV Rona for the last time this year. There are humpback and Minke Whales about but I was in a hurry and did not see them. I met up with Richard and loaded up the sheep. Keen to get back I didn’t hang about.

Ready for Rona

There were not too many people about, just Findlay the esteemed barman from the Pier Hotel, offering welcome  advice.

Deflated (the Boat)

The sea was calmer on the way home so I took a look around the cliffs and here were my missing sheep, I’ll get them in on my return (I hope). The boat was due out of the water so I put it straight on to the beach. With a little persuation I got it up onto the hard stand easily, for a change.

Up She Goes

The Tup was not too impressed!

The New Boy

I daresay he would not have tried to get back to Skye but it was better to keep a hold of him until I got him in the field.

Lead on

The rest of the afternoon was spent putting the boat to bed. In between that 4 kayakers came into the harbour, I could not help musing at being in the tent (somewhere) from 6 pm until 7.30am next day, great!!!

Almost there

The beauty of an aluminium boat is it bashes well!!

Just a Wee Nudge

That was about it, I headed off up the track with the JCB, only to run out of fuel. Half way up the hill, no power. I could not believe that the tank was empty. there had been a leak but I must have underestimated just how much I had lost. It was a wee bit frightening going backwards with no power and 7/8 tonne of digger trying to take off. But I got it down and after much cursing I got it going again. I put it to bed and had a dram pretty quickly!!

Now we are doing the last blog just before leaving. We are off to Italy for a week or so, can’t wait and looking so forward to it all.

We will be back soon.