day five - the last day on islay

i woke up feeling a little bit rough on sunday morning. i think i must have had a few too many drams the day before, but it wasn't anything a little breakfast couldn't sort out. not to mention a little post-breakfast nap.

the big event for the day was the opening of the new port charlotte distillery by bruichladdich it's parent company. so we made our way down to port charlotte to join the throngs of people waiting to toast the the new distillery. but more importantly i was waiting for the appearance of the 49th batallion pipes and drums band from edmonton, alberta. because where else would they be?

(me at the opening of the port charlotte distillery with the pipe band up on the ridge!)

after the ceremony, we made our way to the bruichladdich distillery with what seemed like everyone else who lived on the island. it was packed with people, so we just got some food, had a bit of a wander, and then went in search of somewhere more isolated. it's strange how quickly you get used to being the only people around for miles.

(sangiomore bay: you can just about see davoud in the distance taking photos)

there was one more little bay that ronnie had recommended, so out came the map to decide which of the four roads on the island we had to take to sangiomore bay. once we arrived, we walked down to the ocean and saw loads of rabbits bouncing around in the grass on the way.

we had dinner at the croft kitchen then made our way back to the b&b for an early night thanks to our even earlier start so we could make the 7:00 am ferry.

(oh how i miss the view from our bedroom window. look at all the little sheep!)

drove down to the lake district that night, stayed in a very cute and amazing place called the pheasant inn, went to cockermouth and keswick the next day, and then made our way back into civilization.

you must go see davoud's photos, because they're amazing. one of me looking very shocked to be at the lagavulin distillery on my birthday.

it was an absolutely awesome trip and one that i hope we'll do again. islay was such a beautiful island that the whisky and distilleries were really just a bonus.