Tarbert, Harris, Outer Hebrides

High wind, drizzle, 2 1/2 hour ferry from Ullapool to Stornoway, and I consider my options for the 25 mph headwind afternoon ride to my hotel at Tarbert, 36 miles away, the ferry port to Skye. Check tire pressure at bike shop, then think about taxi for part of way. As I walk bike back to port a woman asks how my trip is going, and suggests asking at the bus station next to ferry. Couldn't hurt. Sure enough, ok to take bike at discretion of driver, next bus to Tarbert in 1/2 hour. Ok by driver, bus not at all crowded, just charged for 2 tickets, 1 for me 1 for bike, total 9.60 pds -- about cost of ferry ride to here. So I rode in style for the hour ride through the barren, wet, windy moors, passing several cyclists out there at the mercy of the headwind. And drizzle, and blowing rain.

Based on my observations today, Lewis/Harris island really only fit for sheep, peat, and midges. And no real ale in the bars in this small village, settle for chilled bitter. Tomorrow another day, another ferry.