I've been having a lot of fun with the hipstamatic app this week. Here are some of my favourites from our last Seven Days - so many things that made me smile.
The week started in sunshine. I loved glancing out of the bedroom window and seeing the sheep sunbathing.
We took a chilly walk up to the Callanish Stone Circle - 5000 years old, but still so impressive. No-one really knows for sure why it was built - for what purpose, or by whom. There is much speculation about it being connected to the lunar cycles or ancient Earth worship rituals. In any case - it is a very special place to be.
On our weekly visit to Stornoway, we usually park the truck down at the harbour, where the overnight freight ferry, Muirneag, is moored during the day - part of the ferry service for all the Western Isles. It is not the most reliable ship, and its run is frequently cancelled due to the weather conditions. We like its bright colours though.
And one of the results of our trip to town was a feast of the freshest seafood you could find.
On a walk down to the shore, we were beset by a sudden Atlantic squall, so took shelter in the nearby visitor's centre for a coffee - and a spot of knitting with a view.
But the sun came out for a while, so we headed down to the pier, where a local fisherman keeps his nets and lobster pots. I love the cheerful tangle of orange and turquoise.
But by the end of the week, the sheep had to scrape the snow away from the grass to find their breakfast. Part of the ever changing weatherscape of the Isles.
Heading into another Seven Days now - still Winter, but with Spring on the horizon. I wish you joys and blessings for the week ahead.
Beautiful, evocative photographs of one of the most wonderful places I have ever had the pleasure of staying. I particularly love the Standing Stones one.
ReplyDeleteThanks Elaine. I have taken a picture of your wee school - I must find a place to post it. it is still used by the Education department as their learning support base. I have no idea how anyone could learn in there with those views out the window. maybe that's why all the schools had very high up windows :)
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Great scenery! Love those pics!
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed them Sarina xx
DeleteBreathtaking photos!
ReplyDeleteThank you xxx
DeleteJacqui - such beauty and simplicity. My kiddos liked looking and reading too.
ReplyDeleteThanks PM - hello kids - hope you are all feeling better. xxx
DeleteI had to laugh, wryly though. The ferry you depend on is unreliable because of the weather. We never know what stock the shops will have. I haven't seen lamb in over two years.
ReplyDeleteSpent all day beach casting, caught loads, even a 25KG sting ray. You don't have a good ray receipe do you?
I was also talking to the locals about catching crab and lobster. I really need to get into that so if you have some designs or ideas how to make home made crab and lobster pots I would be very grateful.
Try braising lobster in coconut cream and fresh coriander served over rice. It is delicious. I'll give you the full recipe if you want. Makes an excellent change from just steaming or grilling it.
You live in a wonderful part of the world but I suspect it would be a little too cold for me in spite of the quality of your whisky...
Lol Hippo - the ferry is often cancelled, but we rarely go short of anything. Especially lamb :)
DeleteAs it happens i do have a recipe for ray - well skate, actually, but it would do for both. The thing with skate, or ray is that a glutinous coating adheres to it for a couple of days, so you don't cook it absolutely fresh, and it's flavour is said to be improved when the fish is just slightly high.
I'll dig the recipe out and post it tomorrow.
Not sure about making lobster pots though. Would a photo help?
Always enjoy your photos -- such simple beauty. One of these days I'll get to see the Callanish stones myself.
ReplyDeleteThank you, janet. I hope you do get to visit. xx
DeleteI'm too much of a coward to have to travel by boat. Really admire you! Lovely pics, xx
ReplyDeleteTina - the boat is really big, with a restaurant, coffee bar, shop, tv lounge and play area. You wouldn't even know you were on a boat. xxx
Deletejacqui, i love all your photos, i only wish i had an iphone for the hipstamatic app, someday. you have given me a burning desire to visit, it looks like the most lovely place. taking photos, gazing at views, knitting, and yes, sampling your whisky, as noted above, it would help with the cold ;)
ReplyDeleteit is always such a pleasure to visit with you, have a wonderful week ahead. xxx lori
Hi Lori - I do get carried away with the hipsta effects once I get going - lol.
DeleteOh yes - sitting round a nice fire, looking out at the view and sipping a wee dram of Dalwhinnie in between rows would be perfect xx
Oh your beautiful world.....love those standing stones, love all your photos.
ReplyDeleteMuch love.
You too Trish - thank you xxx
DeleteJacqui, one day I do hope to visit you in person and walk your island with you, have a spot of tea, knit and talk the days away. For now I must be content with photos and they are lovely, especially the stones. I hope your weekend is being filled with much happiness and you have enjoying yourself.
ReplyDeleteOh, Tracey - what a wonderful time that would be xxx
DeleteLovely photo's Jacqui. I only have an android, no iphone for me lol (choice actually, my phone hasn't been charged for weeks, I found the charger down the back of the TV today, with cat fluff stuck to it lol), but everyone seems to like that app. I love the stones, they must buzz with energy.
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Lol V - i can go for days without my phone being charged too. I had completely lost the special plug thing, so had to order a new one.
DeleteYes - you would like the stones xx
We've visited Lewis twice, but it's been nearly 25 years since we were there. Your beautiful photos have reminded me of what a special place it is. We must come back soon.
ReplyDeleteHi TAwney - yes you must come back - the ferry fares are much cheaper now too.
Deletei love how your pictures give us a glimpse into your week. the pictures of the harbour and then those of inland with the sheep give me a sense of what your world is like and what you see through the eyes of someone living on a island. it's really wonderful. thank you! good wishes to you for the week ahead.
ReplyDeleteThank you JTS - I always appreciate your visit. x
DeleteOh goodness, I love your pictures so much. They make me feel slightly homesick today with longing for the sea... Beautiful. xxx
ReplyDeleteThank you :)It won't be long before you are sharing you beautiful babe's first trip to the sea, i am sure. xx
DeleteWe are so blessed to be able to visit the coast next month, Northumberland (my soul-home). :) xxx
DeleteThat's wonderful Sarah! I look forward to seeing the photos. The sea air will replenish you xx
DeleteOh for squally breezes, I love that picture of sheltering with your knitting!! Beautiful pictures, as ever.
ReplyDeleteHere's our seven days
http://blackhobbescat.blogspot.com/2012/02/seven-days-of-half-term.html
Lol Claire - it was a bit more than a breeze, but a good excuse to adjourn for a latte and some knitting.
DeleteLove your seven days xxx
Love these photos! I've been having fun with my iPhone, too... Although it is easy to get carried away, I do think there is something magical about the images - something about the colors, the textures, the randomness. As always, your post made me want to hop on a plane. I miss everything about the Scottish west coast, even the sudden squalls. Thank you for sharing your world with us.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sopie - it is very addictive, so i try not to use it on the blog too much. I love the random mode.
DeleteLots of wintery squalls over the weekend - straight from the North Pole :)
I can't decide if the netting or the knitting is my favorite photo....Well you week looked like a good one and I hope your weekend was even better :)
ReplyDeleteI sincerely love each and every photo you post, but that shot of the stone circle was stunning. We certainly don't have anything like that around the parts I live- but I'd like to imagine these old evergreens constructed their standing circle. :)
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ReplyDeleteI cannot spell lol! I meant to write - I love your travelling knitting Jacqui! x
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