On the 7 AM ferry from Kennacraig I made my way back to Islay, one of my favorite places. Islay is an island of contrasts with stunning  seascapes  and landscapes, miles of sandy white beaches, sheltered woods and rugged hillsides.  It was sculpted by the Ice Age and battered by the forces of Atlantic storms.   I am drawn to Islay, not only because it was the capital of the Lordship of the Isles, but because I, too, live on an island and feel a kinship to islanders.

There are places I need to revisit here on Islay and I will spend the next few days exploring and photographing. Today was not a great day for photographing so I drove around and took in the landscape. While I waited for my cottage to be ready I headed into Port Charlotte for lunch at the Port Charlotte Hotel.  This beautiful little village was founded in 1828 and I will try and spend more time there when the weather is more cooperative!  Meanwhile, the sticky-toffee pudding at the hotel is the best!