Sunshower

Hey folks,

During breakfast this morning, we thought about where our journey should take us today, when we realized that we had actually seen everything we wanted to see. So Mr. Fü, with a sincere flutter of his eyelashes and a lot of blinking, suggested we go to the whale watching point again... because the weather is so nice and the visibility must be spectacular. Pfft... let's not blame me. So everyone get in... next stop: Tiumpan Head.

Upon arrival, we were greeted by radiant sunshine and a moderately strong wind... perfect. So off to the viewpoint, and then it was a matter of hoping and waiting. We patiently gazed at the sea for 1 hour, enjoyed the sun, and wandered a bit along the cliffs, but no whales passed by. However, something else did come... the only thing you can rely on these days... rain! Rain in sunshine: Sunshower. And dear weather fairy, even if you conjure up a rainbow for us every time... rain remains rain! So we called off the 'waiting for the whale' mission and headed back towards Stornoway... where the sky was the brightest.

We then simply explored the area around the castle a bit. We visited the Bonnie Prince Charlie Monument and the Gallows Hill viewpoint. The monument was nice, but nothing to write home about. 

The Gallows Hill viewpoint is exactly that, a viewpoint. From there, you can look over the harbor and Stornoway, unless trees are in the way. But the hike there was really beautiful. Or let's say it could have been beautiful if it hadn't... well, guess what... right, if it hadn't rained repeatedly. When we got back to the car, I was drenched. We had the feeling that the rain was following us. We then drove to Stornoway City and actually met a Harris Tweed Weaver at home. Gordon McDonald makes genuine Harris Tweed in his garage on a loom. 

The regulations for what makes a tweed a genuine Harris Tweed are clearly defined: The fabric must be made exclusively on the island, meaning it is made from 100% pure 'virgin wool', that is, unused sheep's wool. This must be dyed and spun on the island before it is processed into yarn. The fabrics are then woven by islanders by hand in their homes. Of course, these weavers must have official accreditation as Harris Tweed Weavers. Additionally, the 'Harris Tweed Orb' mark issued by the Harris Tweed Authority must not be missing, which every product bearing the name Harris Tweed must possess. 

Gordon McDonald has a loom in his garage that is powered by pedals, like a bicycle. He also has permission from the Harris Tweed Authority to sell fabrics as well. However, most go to the 'Mill', where clothing, bags, backpacks, etc. are made. The visit with Gordon was my personal highlight of the day. And before you ask... No, I actually did not buy any Harris Tweed. Now that I think about it... annoying. But let's be honest, somehow it has to make it home too. And besides, Gordon has an online shop *sing*

Now, let’s wind down the evening and wish you all a lovely rest of the weekend.

See you tomorrow! Chì mi thu sa mhadainn!