My own distillery

I could just write WOW! That would sum it up pretty well. 

Everyone should have the chance to visit the Isle of Jura. I'm feeling exceptionally fortunate to be able to be here and in such an outstanding spell of good weather. 

We set off again just before dawn, sure today that the ferry was running. When we arrived at the terminal, we were at the front of the line.  I happened to looked up at the amber sky.  Or were they such a size that they caught my eye? Two huge, graceful and military-like birds owning the skies. My first thought was sea eagles but as we crossed on the ferry, they flew our way again and a white tail was not visible. The ferrymen concluded golden. We were pleased either way but, since we've arrived back at the cottage, I'm concluding, a pair of young sea eagles: White tail feathers seem to be appearing, wedge shape tail, over the sea, happy to fly by twice, and gut feel... Massive, awe inspiring! 

We hadn't even landed on Jura yet!

When we did, the sunlight was burning on the peat moors and we found our first few deer lit up. There are literally thousands of them on Jura so they became more normal after a while but it felt special seeing them in the early sun. 

Completely absorbed in the landscape, we just kept on driving. We passed through Craighouse and along the coast to the Paps of Jura. One of them had been on our hit list for today but I honestly think, even if we'd been on top form this week, we would have stopped in our tracks to do what we've done today. Ambled. Paused. Breathed. Relaxed. Absorbed. 

Walking first along the silver-grey beach in front of the Paps, we were blown away with the feeling of solitude and tranquility. I'm sure it's a little different in high season but it's felt like we've had the island to ourselves for almost the entire day. It was also sheltered from the wind on the east so the quiet added to the peace.

After the sands, we ambled for miles and miles in the car to the end of the tiny single track road. Wilderness. 

And then we ambled back - for a coffee at the Jura Hotel, next to the island's distillery. By this time, the sun was starting to drop and we headed for a short walk uphill for views north of the island and along the Sound of Jura. 

We drove the seven miles back to the ferry, stopping for 15 minutes to watch the sun setting over Islay. Perfect.

The feelings today has given us were ones I'd love to distil and share. I think Rich found the best words. And this is what I'd label the barrel:

Spiritually uplifting.