Day 3; June the 6th

I got up before breakfast to go for a run. I want to do the chimney challence; a race of about 200 metres along the road, then up a very steep hill called the chimney. On top of the chimney there is a cleith which you have to touch. Once you touched the cleith, your time is set. The people from Qinetiq will record the time.
But I am not used to running uphill, so I need training. I run about half an hour up the only road there is on St. Kilda then back again; I'm exhausted. I need more exercise if I want to do the chimney within a quarter of an hour!

On my way back I meet Steve who is doing an early walk. We talk a bit while walking back to the street. I got a warm shower and an sturdy breakfast.

Today my job is to help Steve to repair the roof of the school and the church. I wear an overall which is twice my size and according to Steve I look like a Teletubbie.

  

I learn how to cut slates. Even in Dutch I don't know many tools by name, let alone in English. And in Steve's Scottish accent the misunderstandings are hilarious! We have a lot of fun together. Steve is a real nice person: I like him very much.

  

This turns out one of my best working days on St. Kilda. I enjoy the slate cutting, the marvelous weather, the company of Steve and the view.

Today is Martin's birthday and Flo exceeds herself with apple cinnamon cake and coffee.
After dinner we hit the Puff Inn.