Achmelvich
Summer Solstice BBQ

Present: Kate B, Tony B, Steve E, Katherine G, Stuart, Jo L, Mark L, Ruth & Simon L, Anne M, Heidi P, Brian S, Nina T, Gail W, Robert, Fiona, Jamie, Emma, and Victoria F and Svetlana; Neil, Clare, and Gavin W

Friday evening and night was extremely cold, but dry. As a means to keep warm various amounts of alcohol was drunk (from brown paper bags!) whilst huddled round cars until very late indeed.

Saturday

Grey wet morning, grey wet lunchtime, grey wet afternoon. Spent a number of hours sheltering in the Coffee Shop past Lochinver, much to the initial joy of the custodian until he realised we could make one cup of tea and a sticky bun last several hours! Robert and Fiona made it to the waterfall, but no-one else felt particularly inspired! Anne and Brian went to the Hydroponicum in Ullapool (or somesuch place!?) to see plants growing in water …. they could have just joined Robert and Fiona at the waterfall! In the wet evening a few with cabin fever had to go for a walk so Kate, Jo and Nina, with Jamie in tow went investigating soggy beaches just north of Achmelvich bay.

There was a mass sharing of Pringles and dips in the toilet until the rain finally stopped …. and as quick as a flash we were out, armed to the eyeballs with petrol and kerosone. BBQs were swiftly fired up and much meat and vegetarian things (that disintegrate into the BBQ) were soon flame thrown in that traditional Armadillo way (crunchy on the outside, soft (raw) in the middle). Various ballgames were indulged in on the squelchy grass and we witnessed Steve in action with the girls (generally under five (years old) though!). As the night darkened, as tummies filled with wine and food, a fiddle and a couple of whistles were produced allowing an impromptu sing song and dancing. All told, after a bit of a doubtful start the night was a great success.

Sunday

Virtually as a single body we uprooted from Achmelvich to Reiff although the family groups chose to head south earlier. Gail and Simon cycled from the campsite meeting us at the sea cliffs in good time for plenty of climbing. Jo actually managed to get up a few routes this time having discovered the benefits of rock boots over trainers. And aside from a rather expensive friend deciding it had found its nirvana and wasn't going to be budged, the whole day was a really lovely happy sunny affair!

JL & ML