then this would be put together by those brilliant Danes.Probably.
Standing in a sizeable field all on its own this Willerby ‘Vogue’ is a real belter.
A home from home par excellence. The large garden leads to the beach and beyond that the water feature, complete with uninterrupted views of the ‘Small Isles’ of Eigg and Rhum – or Rum, as some like to spell it. I prefer the aitch version myself – looks more Gaelic to me.
Just down the road lies the port of Mallaig. A cul-de-sac with only the ferry to Skye offering escape westward. If one should feel a need to ‘escape’ Me? I’m always happy to linger. The Town gets busy every day in Summer around noon – as the Jacobite steam train disgorged its cargo of sightseers from Fort William. The West Highland line is rightly renowned as amongt the most scenic in all the world, but come on a wet, dreech day and you’ll wonder what the fuss is about. Fish and Chips might cheer though – very special.
We had a couple of those dreechy days last week, but still enjoyed enough time on the beach for me to redden my legs – foolishly unprotected…it was a breezy day but the Sun is powerful at this time of year, even in Western Scotland!
We four had a really relaxing time. A long journey but ultimately well worth it. Any drive of just under seven hours might tax a little ‘un but our Grandaughter Eve is a seasoned traveller now and seems to take these mega-treks in her stride. She’ll read, or doze or just look out of the window. A ‘Best of Beano & Dandy’ from the 70′s kept her occupied this time, along with her Grandma – the two are devoted to each other. Mum came along too our second holiday together within a couple of months.
We were hoping for Sun, and as I said earlier we got a little of it. Only one day was completely marred by rain though and we stil managed a stroll in our long waxed cotton coats. I treated myself to a new hat at ‘Way out West’ a great little outdoors type shop in Mallaig. As it happened there was a week long ‘outdoor clothes sail’ on at the Community Hall’ so a few bargains were bagged. My hat ran out at £34 though, oh well, at least it fits and I shall wear it often.
We mostly ate in. Economy being higher than usual on collective agendas – caravan and fuel combined cost about £600 , and with other trips on the horizon and an escalating cost of living combined with static wage rates we were keen not to overspend. We didn’t.
Walks cost nowt ! – one memorable one at low tide along the Morar estuary almost deserted, as usual…and contemplated the little bungalow we went up to look at over 24 hours in ’06 with a view to buying. We didn’t – it needed too much doing…including new floors…but we’ll always hanker after a home in this area…probably never make it but hope springs eternal.
Eve has been on the cusp of swimming for a few months now. Growing increasingly confident in the water and attending swimming lessons every week. We visited the magnificent pool at Mallaig twice – the first time I’ve been in with her this year and I’m delighted to say within five minutes of my inexpert guidance she had ditched the armbands and had actually swam a few strokes first dog paddle, then breast stroke…covering about three metres. I was delighted, as she also took her first steps walking towards me in 2003. A feather in me cap. Actually I did find a spiffing feather to augment my new headgear but sadly the wind blew it off. Shame ‘cos it was just the job really. Feathery, yet not flamboyant.I digress.
Anyway she’s growing in confidence all the time and is now happy to swim four or five metres under the surface and navigate between outstretched legs. I remember doing this with my own dear Dad back in the day. It won’t be long before she’s swimming longer distances.
I managed to do a few lengths myself but I’m not the best of swimmers – it seems a little pointless if I’m honest.
Filmic highlight of the week was a screening of ‘South Pacific’ on the caravans big telly. Eve’s declares this her favourite musical – even better than High Street Musical which the teenies rave about so much. We watched the sing-along-version. I thought of my own Mum – this was her favourite too.
She’d be pleased to know her Great Granddaughter shares her enthusiasm.
From South Pacific to Eastern Atlantic & We were keen to visit one of our own islands islands again – and we plumped for Muck. £19.00 return for adults and a tenner for sprogs.It took an hour and a half for our boat to reach via Eigg, where we stopped for half an hour. Most of the passengers opted for four hours on Eigg whereas we stayed on to the smaller isle which is not visible from where we were on the mainland. The rain held off for the most part. We visited the ‘little green shed’ full of lovely hand made rugs and crafty stuff. ‘Open 24/7′ the sign boasts. It’s unmanned of course and the cash box was stuffed to overflowing in coin anyway. I estimated at least thirty quid in there, all relying on the honesty of visitors. I reckon the kind of person who visits such remote places is honourable and trustworthy – I certainly hope so. The rugs were retailing at £90.00 apiece…we didn’t buy though.
We spent the best part of an hour in the ‘Muck Restaurant’ waiting for our grub. Delicious when it arrived but it cut down on our time to explore Muck itself. We managed to find the cemetery. There were several poignant markers for unknown Sailors who had washed up on the Beach during the Second World War.
We got a little wet on the way back. Opting for ‘inside’ seats but Daughter felt rather queasy and we returned to our exposed seats astern. Exhilarating though as spray and rain combined to drench us all.
A good trip, rounded off with thick steaks in the ‘Chlachain Inn’ in Mallaig. splendid service. It’s no good offering Eve the child’s menu – she is a devout carnivore and loves steak – polishing off a 10oz. Sirloin no trouble at all. £80 all told though, but one has to push out the boat now and again even on eco-holiday.
A walk around the harbour at Mallaig is essential around 7-00pm. As the boats come back into port to unload their catch of Langoustine et al. Always fascinating to watch these hardy guys at work.
…
The time – as always – flew by. Lovely long restful nights of deep sleep. Just a great feeling not to have to bother about getting up for work – or school ! We played games in the evening. Bingo being Eve’s favourite – she’s making a profficient caller – though I had to explain ‘Maggies Den’ and there followed a short political discourse. I lost the General Knowledge Quiz – a shock, if I do say so myself!
We also had walkie-talkies which led to fun things & games on the beach. Agent Eve on the lookout for smugglers. I won the Cricket – a magnificent knock of fifteen , and a particularly fine stumping which dismissed Daughter. I also bowled out Wallet for a Duck!
We ventured into the freezing cold sea – only the once but at least we did it! We played Boules on the Beach and having taken THIRTY FIVE tennis balls (bought for a quid at a car boot) I tried to act as an automated serving machine for Grandaughter to wack ‘em all over the place – though she missed half of ‘em. Great fun.
Sammy : never far away when the fleets in !
All good things come to an end and end it did. We had a good last night and wined , dined and regaled tall tales – Greek Mythology this time – always a fascinating topic for hungry young imaginative minds.
The morrow was wet – again – and the drive home over Rannoch Moor was not without its challenges as the wind blew hard and oncoming coaches wanted more than their fair share of the road – foreigners?!
Nevertheless we made it safely and the sun even shone once back in good old Lancashire.
Back to the grind soon but hey! football’s back so it’s not all bad.Great holiday memories shared with our little un. – who is a sheer delight to me me and her beloved Grandma…
~ City were playing Napoli
