Saturday 12/08/06

The Italian couple leave on the 9.10 bus for Gearrannan, after the Spanish couple depart on the 7.15 ferry. It's not a bad day at all, quite bright if cloudy, temperature 14C. Go into town for an amble around 3, it's quite busy there. Go to no 1 pier where the sailing yacht Iris lies tied up. I walk down very slippery steps to the wee beach below. The Ronja Pioneer, a Norwegian fish research vessel, lies tied up behind the Iris. Walk under no 2 pier to the hidden beach behind the South Beach carpark. More slippery steps bring me back into town. Cross over to a packed Cromwell Street. Continue to Bayhead, where the YM awaits demolition. Over the bridge into the Castle Grounds and a brief stroll round to the Castle Lawn, then back to New Street and Keith Street. Head into Somerfields, which is packed. In spite of the meagre 14C, it feels very warm. In the West Pacific, tropical depression 11 has formed south of Iwo Jima, and it heads straight for Japan. Meanwhile, our Japanese guest returns from her travels to Harris and the West Side. She met the Italian couple over at Gearrannan, and my instructions worked without fault. The Iris leaves port at 5.30. Half an hour later, the Oscar enters port to remove the remaining wind turbines to Holland. This won't happen until Monday, unless they suddenly decide to work on a Sunday. Two English chaps come to stay for the weekend, in total ignorance of what Lewis is like. Oh well, we live and learn, eh. Supper is Cajun Chicken (thanks, Uncle Ben).