Soaking in the Outer Hebrides - ClaudiAntics

August 21, 2003

Soaking in the Outer Hebrides

Rain SUCKS

I took the ferry from Ullapool to the Isle of Lewis. I saw the Standing Stones of Callanish, and was soaked through to the bone to do it. I wasn't as into them as I was the Ring of Brogar in the Orkneys. I guess if you've see one standing stone, you've seen them all.

I promptly left Stornoway this morning and headed for Tarbert, which is where I am now. The weather the last few days has sucked the big one and been keeping me inside and therefore I cannot enjoy the beauty of the Isles. It's supposed to clear up a bit tomorrow but tonight we should expect almost gale force winds. Oh goody. Not only that, but the weather is like Sybil. The sun can be shining brightly and you can still get pissed down on. Grrrrr.... I just want to get out!!

On a good note, I got throughly "pissed" at some local pubs last night, The Lewis Bar (where 2 Germans, a Scot, and I amused the locals with our dorky tourist ways) and then some afterhours pub the bartender recommended. I had a half bottle of wine, 2 whiskeys (McCallan I think), and a pint of Stella Artois. I was feeling PRETTY queasy on that bumpy bus ride this AM and nearly got sick a few times. Well, I guess that wasn't so good, but last night sure was good fun. We all had bolted out of the hostel to avoid a really unfortunate Dutch guy who was annoying the crap out of everone.

Needless to say when Annoying Boy rolled onto the bus this AM, I was less than pleased. Luckily he didn't notice me as I hid in my copy of Bonfire of the Vanities (why am I reading this?? It's total CRAP!).

Tomorrow I head to the very southern tip of the Isle of Harris to visit the Rodel Church which houses some nifty graves. Maybe I'll get a decent walk in as well. I keep seeing all these beautiful photos of Harris, and wonder where (and when) the heck they were taken.

Posted by Claudia on August 21, 2003 11:10 AM
Category: Scotland

Comments

I wonder the same thing about every touristy photo of Scotland. The sun's always shining, unless it's a night shot. And even then, it's always a clear sky. Yeah, right!

Hebrides climate does nothing but change... the joy of being right on the thrust of the Atlantic wind and surf, you know? I hope it does clear up though, because Lewis and Harris really are just incredibly beautiful. Hopefully you can get in a hill walk or two as well.

You're drinking Macallan though, that's a good sign... they have the best print ads in the world. Hope your tummy's feeling better, luv...

Posted by: Ant on August 21, 2003 01:30 PM

You finally admitted it "guess if you've see one standing stone, you've seen them all. ". I 've been thinking that from the beginning!

When we were in Scotland, the weather was beautifil- perhaps it is crappy now because you do not have your wife with you! haha.

Bonfire of the Vanities eh? I never would have thought you would read such crap- I think your bus ride needed a little Anne Roquine's (sp) 'Beauty'...ya know..put the bumps to some use. :)

Posted by: Stephanie on August 22, 2003 11:25 AM

Rain...guess wot? there was no rain here in bangalore and the govt got some famous pilot cum weatherman from US (if i recall correctly) to carry out cloud seeding. It is pouring now. Hopefully it will be bright and nice when you and ant land.

Posted by: Dusty on August 22, 2003 02:21 PM

Steph, I read that stupid book because I was book deprived. It SUCKED. I can't believe how bad it was actually. Then you get to the end, and they don't tell you what really happened. Bastards!

Posted by: Claudia on August 25, 2003 12:57 PM

Remember what I told you when we were all boozing at Peculiar? The UK is God's urinal--ALWAYS raining!!

Posted by: Moman on August 26, 2003 11:14 PM

You've sampled the British summer. I guess one of the reasons the Scots invented Whiskey was to take their mind off of the weather.

Hope you manage to get out more and next time don't drink wine and whiskey together.

Posted by: Nick on August 26, 2003 11:47 PM

Whiskey does more than take the mind off the weather. It makes the weather just disappear.

Luckily, I haven't had to resort to more wine and whiskey bc the weather has been incredible the last few days.

Posted by: Claudia on August 28, 2003 11:20 AM

Hey Moman!! Hope all is well with you. Been to more poetry readings?

Oh, and Nick, it took me a second to figure out you weren't my brother Nick, who wouldn't know much about British summers or whiskey. :) Thanks for checkin out the site.

Posted by: Claudia on August 28, 2003 11:22 AM