A mirrored Loch Tarbet saw us off back through the Z transits in high tide; more disconcerting with the rocks submerged. One hour to the junction of the loch with the entry to The Sound of Islay.
A tide gate, hence our 0700 kick off, with 6kts running through this 10 nm narrows at Spring tides; now!
During the next hour we shot 12.5 miles through to be catapulted out the southerly end of the sound (pic shows chart and speed midway down).
Out if sound and a bearing SW for remaining 10 nm to Port Ellen on the southern tip of Islay. Bearing towards a light house and past the green cone to turn to starboard and track along rocks towards the ferry and fishing boat quay. A marina is tucked in behind the harbour wall, we found a pontoon and settled for lunch and the night ahead of leaving Scotland tomorrow.
Islay is the island of distilleries, we sailed past 5 along the coast. There's one in Port Ellen which is neighboured by the Laphroaig Distillery. A 1.8 mile hike saw Stella, Peter and I arrive at Laphroaig for a tour at 1515. I was up for raking the barley during its 6 day malting process before stepping in to the peat smoking room over which stands the classic distillery chimneys. Three wee drams later set us up for the walk back to the boat to find Brian and aka Debbie enjoying the last of the sunshine we shall see in Scotland.
Been thinking of family and friends back at home. Strange emotions of missing them and daily routines so much. The daily cards from the church young people with thoughts, songs, pictures and scriptures have been great at inspiring and encouraging me on; well done the Pathfinders.
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