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Published: August 6th 2010
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Road to Lochboisdale
Marian trying to not get blown over Wednesday
Awoke to ok weather and no monster rabbits have eaten our stuff. Decamp as wind getting up and make our way to Dalabrog having decided we will make our way to Lochboisdale today and spend two nighst there ready for the ferry.
Stopped off at the Borrodale hotel for a cuppa and for some breakfast. Unfortunately no breakfast but we got a hot drink...well, when I say hot...more lukewarm, a single cup each, no pot and for that I had to goto bar to order, despite being walked past twice. Lady on reception was friendly and nice but once we got through into the bar area it lost its charm. But i did save a huge butterfly by catching it and taking it outside, I must be getting old!
Headed off to the shop and got bananas for brekkie, we have had bananas quite alot these last two weeks.
Walked to Lochboisdale along a very windy road, at times being nearly into the ditch and when it was head on it made the going extremely difficult...but I bet locals still refer to the 'breezy days of July'.
After walking the 3-4 miles (from last nights pitch) we arrived and set
Road to Lochboisdale 2
Neil also trying not to get blown over up kitchen in the harbour car park to make ourselves a cuppa.
I headed off to look for somewhere to pitch and found possible spots behind the Lochboisdale hotel and decided to ask in the bar where I was welcomed and told that we can pitch on the ground behind the hotel, no problem (http://www.lochboisdale.com/)
Headed back and gave Marian the good news so we set off and after much testing of ground and trying to guess high tide level and deciding whether seaweed on the grass was new, old or blown on in a storm, discretion better part of valour and so headed up the slope a bit, off the crisscrossing paths in the long grass. We pitched up and then went down the few yards to an old slipway overlooked by the hotel and cooked our bacon for our lunch. This was followed by a drink in the bar (just a pint) sat in the old chesterfields, and I mean old, your derriers nearly end up on the floor...and no, it is nothing to with the weight on them!
We watched the yaughts coming into the bay and I did a bit of fishing, but not much and
cuppa
perfect! then hit the tent for a snooze.
Got up early evening and went to hotel where we decided to have a bit of luxury and order some dinner...Sorry Lochboisdale hotel but this is where it starts to fall apart. After being asked what we wanted, the young girl promptly disappeared before completing the order because her friend wanted some help at a table. After some time spent watching them talk in the kitchen doorway about this and that, another member of staff kindly pointed out people were waiting to be served. Anyway, ordered dinner and were shown to our table.
Luckily for us, the older lady sorted out our table and arranged a jug of water, and I ordered a half bottle of wine, white.
And did you know that warm white wine just dosen't work? I know, we should have complained but we are so meak and mild. The food arrived which was average, not helped by the fact I had to chase the girl she had dissapeared so quick without a word, to get my relish.
Whilst eating we noticed similar happenings at other tables.
More training is most certainly required, and the quality of food, based on
The kitchen
kitchen at Lochboisdale the prices certainly needs bringing up a notch.
This was borne out after our meal where we sat chatting with two gents both staying at the hotel who also were not impressed. Fawlty Towers comes to mind, especially when we were told that only that morning people had to wait until 10.30 for the dining room to open for breakfast and when it did there was no apology and not alot on the menu. People who were leaving that morning for early ferry had to go with nothing but then we were told they probably left without paying the bill either!
And when I went to bar to choose a wee dram and asked for a list or advice...nothing. You just have to read the label...'but I can't'...thats ok, just come behind the bar and tell us which one you want...arggghhhhhh!
Managed a whisky thatw as quite peaty, can't remember the name and also a Macallan 10 year old which was very smooth and Marian quite liked that one too.
Sorry Lochboisdale Hotel but you need to up the game and get your act together, but with the friendly 'older' staff you have a good starting point. We will check
Near Journeys end
Lochboisdale Hotel on progress on our next visit!
We had a lovely time, couple of drams and learnt all about Gairloch area where we have spent a few holidays, about the people of the area and one of the Bothy's which was leased by one of our fellow 'guests'. Also put Orkneys on priority list, after being told about how nice it is there and how lovely the people are and had a tip on a common whisky to buy as it maye be going into limited runs....but it would be rude to pass it on here and not sure info is correct...but may do small investment as its not expensive at moment.
Anway, left just before midnight and bed beckoned.
Thursday
Our last day on the islands, what to do, sun is out in one direction, clouds in the other, could go either way. Decided to end where we started on the Uists...and headed to Beneray on the bus, with rucksack what with towels for beach, clothes for wind, clothes for rain, this for that and that for this.
In short, an uneventful day, spent some time on the beach but water still to cold for anything past the knees, walked
Marian fishing
showing Neil how to cast into the village and had a toastie in the community hall which is also part museum, part youth club, part library etc.
Marian had a shower in the ferry hut, spent a bit of time watching the fearless local youths throwing themselves into the water from various structures and heights around the harbour, and we caught bus back after Marian telling me water was way too hot and I was best getting shower at Lochboisdale harbour...guess what wasnt working...why do I listen?
Did a spot of fishing. Am I the only person in the history of island tourism to spend two weeks in the Outer Hebrides and not catch so much as a sniff of fish? Answers on a postcard please.
Spam for dinner with rice, onion and courgette and very nice it was too, cooked by the slipway again.
Couple of drinks, watched the ferry come in and then an early night. Once again, disapointed, we really should have headed into the hills for the day, as Marian had suggested as a option, I now know the golden eagle would have been waiting to hover overhead, I can feel it in my bones......next time!
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