Day two on Islay

Morning everyone,

Had a change of weather overnight and had our first rain so far. Whilst it isn't bitterly cold we can now get a sense of what it might be like in Winter here. Quite challenging we think.

The overnight rain has forced a change of plans for todays walk however as apparently the originally planned track can get a bit boggy and we don't really want to get everything wet just yet. If we have to on the coast to coast walk then so be it but we have decided to settle for a different option out to the Mull of Oa.

Did the tour of the Ardbeg distillery yesterday and then did basically a circumnavigation (sort of) of the whole island (driving) as it would be a many day walk. There are some truly spectacular views even if it is isolated.

It a bit like India here the cows and sheep own the roads and everybody stops - see picture. We eventually nudged past the heifer which however remained firmly in the middle of the road - some (whisky) tanker driver from Bruichladdich which is nearby is probably having steak for tea

Pete has been in touch and hopefully he will be able to start contributing to the blog shortly. Al hasn't been in touch for a few days so hopefully we will track him down shortly.

Had Indian for dinner last night (yep Indian in Islay so it had to be done) and it was quite reasonable. We leave Islay tomorrow at 9.45AM and head back to Glasgow where we are catching up with Pete and then onto St Bees the following day via train.

I must say I have really enjoyed the scenery and Scotland (the small part we have seen) very much.

Some more photos are attached for your viewing pleasure. I came here thinking that Scotch was generally just that but the photo above is just one small cabinet at one of the distilleries (Bruichladdich)- remember there are 7 on Islay - and some of these can cost up to £500 per bottle !!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wednesday 14th July at 10.10AM local Islay time.