It has been really lovely to have Martin and Avery visit us over the last couple of days.  They are spending their honeymoon in Paris and Scotland, and it has been a delight to show them our small corner of Scotland.

[caption id="attachment_6502" align="aligncenter" width="640"]Martin and Avery with the split rock which gives Clachtoll its name Martin and Avery with the split rock which gives Clachtoll its name[/caption]

We covered quite a lot of ground with them in the short time they were here.  We felt they had to be able to say they'd been on the north coast of Scotland so we took them up to Durness.  And of course a visit to Durness cannot happen without a visit to Cocoa Mountain, a small artisan chocolate maker who sends his chocolate products all around the world.

[caption id="attachment_6504" align="aligncenter" width="640"]The evidence at Cocoa Mountain The evidence at Cocoa Mountain[/caption]

While Avery and I limited ourselves to coffee, Stevan and  Martin indulged in Hot Chocolate and Chocolate Mocha, both of which looked absolutely decadent and delicious.  Some chocolate truffles may have wormed their way into the packing case for Woolfest in a couple of weeks time!

After we'd piled on the calories at Cocoa Mountain, we thought it only right to walk them off again, and so we headed to Smoo Cave just to the east of Durness.  Smoo is a huge limestone cave which has a waterfall inside the cave.   Standing above the cave and looking out towards the north (next stop Faroes) it is hard to believe that there is such a huge cave under your feet:

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But looking from seaward the size of the cave is there for all to see.

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We have not had a lot of rain over recent weeks, but the waterfall was still very pretty, and offered a great photo opportunity for snapping Martin and Avery:

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Unfortunately Assynt and the north west highlands was not too kind with the weather, and was wearing a rather wild weather cloak from time to time, but at least Avery and Martin got to see quite a bit of the countryside in this part of the world.

[caption id="attachment_6508" align="aligncenter" width="640"]Drumbeg, looking towards Handa Island in the north west Drumbeg, looking towards Handa Island in the north west[/caption]

Today was spent closer to home, exploring the sea shore between Stoer and Clachtoll bays, as well as the Broch.  The sea thrift is putting on a magnificent show this year, and always looks so lovely against the grey rocks and lichen:

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Thanks for visiting, Avery and Martin.  Haste ye back!