Fireworks Finish in a Blaze


The local headland, just south of Port Ellen, Islay, was spectacular, the night before last, first with fireworks and then with a large bush fire, set off by the sparks from those fireworks.  We had a ring-side seat in the marina.  The local fire engine couldn’t get close enough to intervene, but luckily the wind was blowing east, towards the point, which naturally confined the damage.  I just hope that there were no nesting birds there.  The headland in question is called Rubh’ A ‘Chunnlein, which shows you just how fortunate we are that the locals speak English too.


We started our day at the Achamore Gardens on Gigha, created by Sir James Horlick (think drink), now a little overgrown and unkempt but in a way that I very much liked.  Scented azaleas and bright rhododendrons were in full flower.

Achamore Garden pond

Rosie in the Bamboo, Achamore Gardens


Our destination for the day, Islay, 10 miles distant, was clearly visible from the viewpoint.

Islay from Gigha

Our sail took in all conditions from fast reach with all plain sail, to flat calm with engine, to windward beat in a final force 6 wind, reefed and with much reduced genoa.

Rapport With A Bone In Her Teeth

Port Ellen has a neat little marina in easy walking distance of several famous whisky distilleries, such as Laphroaig, Lagavulin and Ardbeg.  It is a great place to sit out strong winds such as last night’s blow, wind moaning in the rigging but with cloudless, starry skies.

Yesterday was a mainly domestic day, washing clothes and cleaning the boat.  It’s amazing how we appreciate a supply of fresh water!  We hosted the crew next door for evening drinks and then went to the hotel for a meal.  It's a tough life at sea.

And today we intend to walk to Ardmore distillery, for education and exercise.....

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