Would You Rather?

Sigh. There are so many wonderful sites and adventures on Skye and Raasay, it's hard to choose, especially choosing for others. Also, so much is weather dependant, which adds to the difficulty of planning ahead. If it's lovely weather, putting your boots on a trail or butt in a rib is the obvious choice. But the weather can be wet and blustery, particularly this year. As a result, we've made sure there are many "any weather" activities, but need your help in choosing and scheduling. So on to the game of "Would You Rather?" Or maybe more accurately, "How Many Would?"

Friday - Additional Option: Guided Bus Tour of Skye

For those of you not going on the distillery tours, I've got a trip on hold through Real Scottish Journeys (link below) to take up to sixteen of you to some wonderful spots on Skye with a local guide and driver, Bill Webster. He's even willing to delay a family vacation for a day to make it happen. Here the description of the day he sent last night:

"Thoughts on your Itinerary: If you caught the ferry from Raasay to Sconser which

departs at 0755 I would be waiting for you at 0820. We would have the day

to tour Skye then I would return you to Sconser in time for the ferry back to Raasay.

There is a ferry an hour later which might also work. But might feel a bit rushed.

We have a sixteen seat minibus. The cost for one day touring is £900.00 for up

to 16 passengers, this is for transport and guiding. You should also budget for your

tickets as foot passengers on the ferry (£5) and lunch.

We could head to Neist Point for a walk then lunch at Cafe Lephin. Explore north of

the island, visiting fairy glen, photos on Quiraing, Kilt Rock and Storr. The tour is fully

guided, with stories, history and hopefully a few laughs along the way."

So here is the "if/then" calculation. If it the weather is "kind of" to "seriously" cruddy, then this is a fantastic option. If many people go, then this is also an economical option (split between 15 people, it's just £60 each; split between 12 it is £75 each). If few people go, then it could be pricey (split between 5 people, it would be £180 each). However, since it is a private tour, if something you want to see isn't included, then it might be possible to add it; Bill as already indicated that he is eager to personalize the tour. Also, if everyone wants to bring a sack lunch from the Raasay House, then it might be a possibility to skip the cafe or have your sack lunch with a nice coffee or tea. We stopped in there last year after a very chilly trip to Neist Point and very much enjoyed their woodburning stove and hot drinks. So have a think on what sounds right for you. I'll be sending out an RSVP shortly.

Real Scottish Journeys

Cafe Lephin

Sunday - Who is up for Some Arting?!

We've planned for Sunday to be a day of smaller adventures and experiences. We'll be joined by two local artists and a crew to facilitate archery and ax throwing. The later is just a decide on the day and show up for some shooting and chucking fun. The artists will have classes in which six to eight people will create their own handmade momento. For the artists to plan well, we need to give them some numbers, so here are the details for you to have a think on.

Kirsten Duncan is a local painter and runs the Wee Craft Van down the road from the Raasay House - it's tiny, packed full of little treasures from local artists and worth a look. Kirsten is a painter and will run classes in which you will create a painting on a stone or slate, either one you've found on one of the local beaches or selected from supplies she will bring. Yes, you can find slates on the beach, which were used as roof tiles. Lisa is fibre artist and will run classes on making a felted "postcard" out of wool to take with you. Examples of both art outcomes are below.

Classes will be about three hours (possibly less for the painting class if you are quick painter and don't need to take a field trip to North Bay for stones) and will be offered twice, one round in the morning and the next after lunch. If you do both classes, you're still likely to have time to draw a bow or toss an axe. So have a think while I go make the event RSVP so you can give us your choices.