From Eilean Imersay we were now bound for the Isle of Texa on Islay's SE coast. To the east, the distant mountains of Arran rose above the long peninsula of Kintyre.
Note how Tony is looking wistfully at the distant Mull of Kintyre!
On our way to Texa we passed two of the three whisky distilleries that grace this part of Islay's coastline. The first was Ardbeg, a superb peaty malt.
The second was Lagavulin, producers of another fine malt whisky. Sadly we decided to pass them by as we had thoughts of rounding the still distant Mull of Oa later in the day.
I am now off on my own holiday to the Solway, so posting on our Islay trip may be irregular. If you want to read more of Islay I can recommend two blogs by other visitors to this fantastic island: Armin's Islay Blog and Ron's Islay Weblog.
13/07/2008
Douglas,
ReplyDeleteRichard Cree bought for me a bottle of Ardbeg and kept one of Bruichladdich to share with the crew during the Norway trip! Then, last year Cailean suggested Caol Ila. Since then, I have limited my former usual brands as mouthwash.
Kayak gods have infallible tastes.
Thanks for all the postings about Islay so far, seeing it from so low on the water is again different to the views I'm used to from the ferries and my various walks on Islay's shores. A very interesting new perspective.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your holiday, I'll be looking out for future entries from Islay and other areas (sent the entry about Innean Glen to my sister, she's been there twice horse trekking on Kintyre).
Wenley, you are so right! Paddling past the distilleries in an offshore wind is a truly sublime experience in which one finds oneself in sea kayaking heaven. Ardbeg is a true giant among fine malts, watch out for my Ardbeg and ship's bell story later on!
ReplyDeleteI will also post about Caol Isla!
Hello Armin, thank you. There will be plenty more Islay posts to come!
:o)