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Diciadain, 26/Nov/2014
Reporting back from Islay
That was just what I needed. After the non-holiday in June due to my leg injury this visit at least to an extent compensated for it. To start with the weather was very kind to me considering it was second half of November. I've met a lot of nice people, old and new friends. And the Islay Sessions were great. Here's a video with a few impressions from the Sunday afternoon in the Bridgend Hotel:
YouTube: Islay Sessions 2014 at the Bridgend Hotel
Other than that I enjoyed a variety of other things:
There were a few clear nights where I was able to get out with my new camera to take night shots. Still need to process them, but so far I'm quite pleased with the initial results. Watched a number of nice birds (unfortunately too far away for pictures, but still nice to see them) including two White Tailed Sea Eagles at Port Askaig and Hen Harriers at Loch Gorm and Loch Gruinart. The fear that I would take my quadcopter back unused was proven wrong when I managed get a few nice flights over Bowmore in. Aiming to get the video edited by Christmas.
Of course visited two distilleries (Bruichladdich and Laphroaig) to stock up. Also had another look at Gartbreck Farm (planned site of Gartbreck distillery), although there doesn't seem to have been any change at all since my last visit in April. Spent a nice day on Jura visiting Konrad Borkowski and friends. Bought his new book, more about that another time. Finally got to meet Ron of IslayInfo and his family, we had a nice chat at his temporary home in Portnahaven.
For the first week I stayed at Kilchoman House Cottages, now run by David and Caroline. It being the quiet season I was the only guest, enjoyed a few quiet evenings in front of the open fire. Also caught up with Ian and Margaret enjoying retirement in their new home at the top of the hill. A wonderful place. Then for two nights very much enjoyed Andrew and Alison's hospitality at The Bowmore House, the view from the room was amazing. Andrew's cooked breakfasts keep you going for a while.
Probably forgot to mention something or someone, it's been a surprisingly busy week. Of course took plenty of pictures, some I've already posted, more will follow over the coming weeks on the Islay Pictures photoblog.
It certainly was a great holiday on Islay!
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