July 8th: Tarbert to Stornoway: 37.6 miles, 2542.7 ft Wet with Tail and Cross Winds.

What a brilliant Hostel the Backpackers is, in Tarbert.   Again we were in 2 x 4 rooms on the top floor. Very cosy with plenty of room, slept like a log.  Well stocked free kitchen for general use.  After a hearty breakfast the Belles were on the road by 9.50am. This morning's problems:  Sue and Fiona L's bikes had been making strange noises so after a general check and lube they were good to go, the bikes that is not Sue and Fiona L. Fiona D's saddle bag/rack for some unknown reason just wouldn't attach to the bikes seat post, put it in Cilla 2.  Linda/Jillian/Flo picked up our bags, poor souls they had spent the night in a car park. Toni decided she had had enough and with hills looming elected to help Linda/Jillian/Flo in Cilla 2. Unfortunately after yesterday's lovely day the rain was back on so it was decided not to detour to Callinish standing stones but head straight for Stornoway.  Immediately we tackled a very steep hill but thank goodness for a fantastic, strong tailwind . The Belles coped well, seasoned cyclists now, going at their own pace to the top.  The road wound round a glen and suddenly we experienced strong crosswinds blowing us out into the middle of the road, so hard to hold course. Both Fiona D and Sue couldn't fight it anymore and found themselves pushed across the road and onto the opposite verge.  Very frightening, but fortunately no passing cars.  Todays, scenery quoting Sue was 'wild, rugged and remote' but ' brooding, unforgiving, challenging, dramatic' to quote Carol, Toni, and Isla.  Why don't we come back in the summer, `I hear the cry !!!  Suddenly up ahead the girls had stopped, dreaded feeling, a mechanical, but no just a puncture from guess who ??? Puncture Plenderleith !!!.  As Cilla 2 was just down the road Jillian blew up her tyre and pressed on. Linda now cycled. Next crisis, our lunch stop, at Balallan was closed, we could use the toilets in the village hall. !!!! Linda and I discussed menu's in Cilla 2 but no, good news there was another craft tearoom further on. Good stuff or so I thought !!  The tearoom could only seat four but Debbie was very welcoming producing seats for most. She quickly made us teas, coffees, scones, muffins and flapjack. Tiny little craft shop showing Debbie's paintings, very talented. Wonderful.  And the rain became heavier and the wind ( Tail ) stronger so it was reluctantly we continued our journey, heats down , get it done.  The traffic became heavier with a lot of spray but apart from that it was a easy run to Laxdale Campsite where again we were in 2 X 4 bunkhouses. More of a spiracle tonight with showers/toilets outside requiring keys.  Another shower crisis: when I was showering Carol moved the bikes across the door of my shower, another cry for help, help, fortunately just by chance Fiona L was passing and I was released.  Now showered, teaed and coffeed we are sitting in a warm lounge watching Wimbledon.  Our last dinner tonight in Stornoway, I will miss these gals.   More to follow !