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Published: June 25th 2014
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I really debated what I wanted to do today - yesterday was… another tiring day, wasn’t it… so I debated between hiking in Broadford or trying my luck and bussing out to Old Man Storr.
I decided I wanted a travel-free/bus-free day haha.
It was pouring rain this morning, but in true Scottish fashion it tapered off to a mist by around 9:30am. I tried my luck and headed off to Broadford Bay and walked up along the coast towards Irishman’s Point. Even though it wasn’t raining anymore, I still got soaked - I was walking through grass paths and fields so all the water from the overgrown plants was drenching my legs and my shoes. My hiking boots may be water resistant but after an hour and a half in a field my toes were cold and wet.
The path itself was interesting - it starts well marked off, with an actual foot path along the bay - I kept an eye out for otters which are apparently common enough, but alas, no such luck. I did see a few herons though and countless other birds.
The path then ends and there is a “public foot
path” that hasn’t been cleared in… oh let’s say 5 years for the sake of it. It was all overgrown to the point you couldn’t even see it anymore. There was also a “private road” that was parallel to the path. Hm. I took my chances on the private road and off I went.
Not that far along I came across an abandoned and worn down house/cottage which was cool to see. I continued along the private road which eventually split again but along the coast was an actual foot path… well… a path at least. It was lovely just to listen to the birds sing - there are so many birds here. I also listened to the trees - I should have filmed it, it’s hard to explain. Basically when standing under a couple trees, it would crackle and pop as if it’s raining even though it wasn’t, and no droplets would fall from the leaves either. It was intriguing yet peaceful at the same time.
I came upon another abandoned cottage which then brought me into a proper field - the “path” going through the grass. I basically went to the top of the hill, took
photos and then started my journey back because I was uncomfortably wet at this point. Scotland is a funny animal - I get less wet climbing a mountain in pouring rain than I do walking through a grassy field.
Once back at the hostel (and after some lunch) I debated if I wanted to venture out into the woodland area… I had found another trail I could take but I really didn’t feel like getting soaking wet again just as my pants/shoes were drying out. Instead I decided to set up shop in the lounge and finish reading my book 😊
I also planned out my next two days… trying to figure out bus connections and back-up plans if it pours rather than just rains and all that good stuff.
I spent most of the evening chatting with my roomies - all Americans at the moment which is kind of odd? Usually it's a good mix, but that's ok, keeps things interesting.
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Irene
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Otters
Too bad you didn't see any otters. That would have made a great pic - otters for Ottawa! Glad to hear you are being "mindful" - live in the moment, listen to the trees. Amazing, isn't it? LOVE your pics with the new camera!