The full Scottish breakfast was more than welcome after yesterday's exertions, and settled for pushing our bikes the five minutes walk to the ferry terminal. We bought our tickets and as cyclists we got to wheel our bikes into the car deck of the ferry on foot.
The ferry pulled out of Ullapool through the wind and occasional drizzle, the scenery was beautiful nonetheless, especially where the sun shone through the clouds. with the mainland receding and the ship beginning to pitch in the swell of the open sea we went indoors.
The occupants of the lounge in which we sat served as a reminder of who goes on holiday to Scotland. It's an anti-Ibiza, a destination for old timers in camper-vans, all woolly jumpers, raincoats, binoculars and telephoto lenses.
In the distance ahead there were visible mountains rooted in land beyond the horizon. Even at this distance the Hebrides were hard to miss.
Not content with just a nodding into the growing waves the ship threw in a rolling motion too, prompting a groan from poor Michelle as she sats on the floor eyes fixed on the horizon through the windows.
Gannets and dolphins greeted the ship as we approached Stornoway harbour. The sun came out too, which was very welcome after yesterday evening.
Our B&B was a mere half mile from the ferry terminal so we spent the afternoon exploring the town. James sampled the local barber and we got some laundry done ready for three days of cycling down the island.
I was surprised by the number of young people in Stornoway and how positively trendy, by highland standards at least, some of the shops and cafés were. Churches and religious bookshops were very noticeably everywhere.
All in all a very relaxed day. Tomorrow we get back to cycling.
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