Race against the tide.

The tide dictated today's schedule. It subsided far enough to reveal the Minister's Island causeway at around 10.45 so no great hurry. Leisurely breakfast & sorting out. The causeway itself was easier in a car - wider tyres, 4 wheels & a little more power all help. First stop was the wrong stop it turns out. The vast majority of the buildings on the island were the creation of William Van Horne - the brains behind the Canadian Pacific Railroad. Needless to say a wealthy man and what we'd opted to stop at was his barn not his 50 room palatial summer hut. The guide talked it up and despite him being apparently 'a bit of a prick to work for' evidently had a passion for farming & offered a decent deal for his staff. Onwards to his house - again a guide gave us an insight, also had a video then mooched around. Interesting to see the contrast between the staff & the aristocracy. Once all had been seen, including the striking bath house, the aim was to walk the perimeter route along the coast of the island to try and see where our cabin was. We finished the tour at around 1 and had to be off the island by 4. Plenty of time. Ambled along, having a cake stop at a sunny, sheltered spot (for it was pretty windy today) with a belting view. It was at around 2ish that Liz was getting a little concerned that going to the furthest point might not tally up with getting off the island. We pushed on but in hindsight it ended up being a more stressful walk than it could've been - bit of a mad dash but in the end had an hour to spare. And I'm sure there's a bit of leeway. Back to St Andrews for an ice cream - clouded over again. Postponed. Popped back later to fill the car up & stopped off to see how covered the causeway was - very and the rain just made it a little more dramatic.Read more