All Change
I definitely think I've gotten into a relaxed mode after my ankle injury as it was gone 9am again this morning before I woke. It was still breezy but the sun was shining, yay!
After a nice brew we went for a wander to see our camp spot in all of it's glory.
I plodged in the icy waters to help my ankle as it was rather sore this morning and then decided to grab my towel and go for a swim!
It was rather nippy and I only briefly swam around before heading back to the sand to wrap up. It was rather invigorating and liberating and believe it or not it was my first swim of the trip, let alone my first skinny dip. A bit of sunshine and I was right there making the most of the morning, haha.
Both of us were aware that we were passing the hours until Barry had to ride to Fort William to get a train back to London. As we hugged and I watched Barry ride away I felt rather odd. This last week has been very strange because my trip has been on hold. I've been cooped up indoors and now I've had a few days back on riding with some company it feels like I'm starting all over again on my own.
I rode the 9 miles back to Mallaig and chilled for the afternoon. A pot of tea in a garden cafe and then a huge 99er to cool down!
Relaxing by the harbour was nice but strangely quiet now that Barry was gone. Over the next few days I'll be based around Mallaig as I visit the Small Isles of Muck, Eigg, Rum and Canna, all of which are a ferry trip from Mallaig. Such small islands only have a mile or so of roads so it will give my ankle more time to recover which is only a good thing.
Riding out of the town I've pitched by Loch an Nostarie in a lovely quiet spot for the night only a mile or so from Mallaig.
My ankle is looking better and the bruising is finished spreading after going all of the way to the tips of my toes so I'm hopeful that I'll be cranking out the miles again before I know it.
Tomorrow marks the start of another chapter of islands and I can't wait to see what is in store.
Trip Summary:
Miles ridden = ???- Ice creams eaten = 8
- Ferries taken = 21
- Islands visited = 18
- Wild camp nights = 30
- Ticks removed from body = 3
- Distilleries visited = 6
- Breweries visited = 3
- Bothy nights = 6
- Trips to A & E = 1