We have had, as I think you’ll agree, the most perfect weather this week. Blue sky, calm seas, sunshine and warmth……until late last night, that it.

At about midnight or so, the wind started to roar and the rain came down. By this morning, it was no better. We ventured out of our little ‘home’ only as far as the gate this morning, to let the dogs do their ‘woofer widdles and doggie dumps’ (clearing up after them of course). We holed up in bed and read.

By lunchtime, the winds were so strong we could see little more than white water and the odd few people out and about were struggling to stay upright. We needed supplies though with no food either for lunch or supper. So, the plan was hatched. Get kitted up. Take dogs on walk on heath to run off some energy. Go into town. Pick a pub. Stay there as long as possible. Go to shop. Buy food. Go home and stay there until the gales subside!

We duly carried out the plan and the forces of destiny must have been smiling on us because the rain eased a bit while we were walking. We got to the pub and found a single table unoccupied (hurrah). We had a yummy lunch and a couple of (rare) beers. The fishermen in the pub were saying the ‘weather’ was a cyclone. A lady in the shop said the same.

I can’t find any evidence to suggest otherwise so that’s the theory. We certainly saw lots of evidence of wind damage so that suggests it was strong even for these Isles, where I am sure the winter can be quite cruel.

This photo is taken from the sanctuary of the pub (Atlantic Inn), looking out at the street and capturing the progress of a poor chap who was not lucky enough to be inside!

Later, we rolled back up the hill, by now fortified from wind and rain, to our siesta, an evening stroll in a calmer patch and an early night in winds that were certainly still raging.

Last year, Ma and Pa were here.