The first day began well and I was able to attend worship in one of my former churches – it was lovely to meet the people there and feel so welcome. After church I got on my way and about 2 miles later I was in trouble – something went “pop” in my groin as I was going up a long hill. One and a half hours later I was still struggling up the hill! [a few steps forward and then a stop to allow the pain to subside]. I thought that was it, until my brain kicked in – “What if I walked backwards up the hill?” Bingo, it worked. For the next 3 days I was walking up the hills on the road backwards!!!
Having finally arrived at Dunvegan I was looked after by Donda and Norma – they were stars, who couldn’t do enough for me. The next day it was off to Sligachan – the weather and scenery was as beautiful as the day before – what a privilege to be taking in this beautiful part of the world, even if a lot of the time it was backwards! The comfort and food of the “Slig” was welcome after a long walk – so was time with Mickie who came down for a meal.
On the third day it was on to Portree – that was the only day of rain. During a heavy shower I took refuge in a road-roller – the engine was left on and I felt tempted! It was good to be with Barbara and Angie in Portree, go to Rotary and Portree Church and meet old friends.
After a good breakfast [Angie and Barbara, always give a good breakfast] it was on to Staffin. The journey to Staffin is one of the most breathtaking in Skye. First of all there is the Old Man of Storr, then the staggering views over to Wester Ross, the Kilt Rock and Staffin itself. My hosts were Allan and Joanna who made me feel very welcome and comfortable in their beautiful house. At Columba 1400 I met a party of Chinese tourists and a couple living in Glasgow and their two daughters from China – a small world!
It was now off to Uig, and again a breathtaking journey with such diverse scenery – I met a group of American tourists on the walk round to Uig and they were so interested in what we were doing at Hope4China – lovely people. Wendy was there to welcome me in Uig and it was so nice to catch up with so many of my former congregation there. I was well looked after and it was good to sit in Wendy’s lovely home, overlooking Uig Bay.
It was the final day! The short hop from Uig to Kensaleyre – back to the village that was once our home. Called in to see lots of people on the way and it was so good to connect with folks that were once such a large part of our lives. After a busy day Mickie made me a lamb curry – so good to relax with good company and know that nearly 100 miles had been completed. I even managed to drive back down the next day in time to join my son Ross and watch Partick Thistle play Stirling – and win!
A wonderful journey, though sore at times and a bit backward! The people of Skye were so generous in every way, as indeed were all the people in Dunfermline and all around the world who sponsored our charity.
To date we have raised over £6000( more since the photo was taken)This will make our trip to China possible and enable us to meet the needs we will encounter when we get there.
Thanks is too small a word to say to all who helped in whatever way!
Xie Xie
Iain
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