Kila and Harvey's Great Hebridean Adventure
And so our Outer Hebridean Adventure draws to its conclusion. We've been here for what feels like most of the summer, and seen a multitude of exciting things including those breaching basking sharks. After having seen that unfortunate dead one on the beach, i've been trying to get my head round how they manage to propel themselves clear out of the water .... I have trouble getting over the odd stile for goodness sake, then again that might be an age thing ... we wolves are known for our jumping ability after all! We've seen all sorts of other flippered and feathered creatures, big and small, black and white ... it's a busy little spot this corner of Scotland!
I believe this gannet was a wee bit taken aback when the minke surfaced behind him .... !!
I know the humans will disagree but the best thing about these islands are the beaches, long uninterrupted expanses of white sand, tasty bits of seaweed scattered around the place, interesting little rock-pools to paddle in and apparently "hidden treasure" if Harvey is to be believed!! He's still digging! He has however proved to be a resourceful assistant, taking on the mantle of chief fly-catcher, and is coming along in leaps and bounds. A new adversary we've had to deal with over here is the infamous "Highland Midge"; a miniscule flying, biting insect (like mosquitos, its actually only the females who bite) who hangs out with several thousand of their friends in huge swarms, and at the first opportunity, descend on you to cause extreme irritation. Many prevention techniques exist including the locals favourite, 'just don't stand still'; not really a very practical option for our humans, so other measures were taken. Annoying they may be but the midge has ensured that the Highlands of Scotland remain a very special place. With human habitation kept to a minimum and only the hardy sticking it out, this little gem of a place quite possibly is the jewel in the crown of the British Isles! (Oh and some top tips for avoiding the midges? Wear light colours (I've got that box ticked!), and hang out with large women and tall men ... apparently they prefer them! But back to Harvey ... I heard somewhere recently (on the talking box i believe) that 'every home needs a Harvey' ... I have to agree, although i don't think the sheep would!
A more glorious beach there is not ....!
The odd power struggles are only to be expected ... he does however know who's boss!
"Found anything yet?"
"You take the one on the left, i'll take the one on the right ... alternatively, run for your life!"
After my extended time on the 'Stickless Isles' i have decided to rename them ... they are now to be known as the 'Land of the Rainbows' ... the slight downside to these beautiful and amazing colourful creations in the sky is that it means you may get a wee bit wet but that's a small price to pay to see nature at its most glorious. Lewis has rainbows, and lots of them!!
Rainbow over Tiumpan Head lighthouse ... 
Rainbow over Tolsta Head ...
And so the humans are off to tally up the number of finned creatures that they've come across, and undoubtedly spend hours poring over the thousands of photographs that they've taken ... us canines on the other hand are going to take some well deserved time off! But worry not ... it's only a short break, we'll be back at the beginning of October when the next adventure begins .... Gairloch 2010 Part 2!! I wonder which 'Navy' we'll encounter this time round?
Until then ....
... I'm off to dream of my beach ...!
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But kudos to the people who did their best to save him.