Storm Barbara

Storm Barbara has been buffeting the island throughout the day.
As daylight began to appear the force of the wind began to rise.
This afternoon gusts were officially recorded at 70mph.

On the eve of the storm Balephetrish beach and bay

On the eve of the storm Balephetrish beach and bay

In the afternoon we headed west on a photo tour of the island.
The starting point was the CalMac pier at Gott Bay, Scarinish
Here a sudden gust whipped up the sheltered water to the west of the pier.

A sudden equal from the South west whips up the water — A sudden squall from the South west whips up the water

Then as quick as the sky had turned jet black than we had blue sky.
Nevertheless the waves kept relentlessly pounding into the bay.
No surprise then that Saturday’s ferry is cancelled.

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The bay to the east of the pier

Blue sky

Blue sky above the Pier Office

The sudden squall

Pounding waves at the rocks south east of the pier

Next stop on our tour is the beach at Scarinish.

The restless sea at Scarinish

Then on to Crossapol bay and beach.
A lone individual is walking along the beach.
Surprisingly there are no surfers enjoying the waves.

The surf at Crossapol

Crossapol

This is followed by a brief stop to capture Soroby (Balinoe) beach and bay.

Lighting conditions for the most part were not ideal.
There were dark threatening skies with sudden short blasts of hail.
Next we headed to West Hynish and Balephuil where the Atlantic battered the island.