My favourite distillery so far. Dave gave us a brilliant tour and really knows his stuff. We got to sample whisky going in to the barrels by dipping our fingers into the liquid and licking them. So in several years time, someone, somewhere will be drinking whisky that I have had my fingers in. I hope it isn’t me!

We ended up buying a fair bit there. I got the 10 year old (Cask Strength) and a bottle of the Quarter Cask.

Richard

We are staying at Bowmore Distillery for the next few days. Sam organised a cottage for all of us. It was a great feeling getting to our first proper Distillery!

The weather is pretty rough and I am glad we are in cars for this leg of the journey. Being on the bikes would have been pretty unpleasant in the wind and lashing rain. When the sun comes about (albeit briefly) the place is absolutely lovely.

Today we went to several more distilleries, more photos and info to follow.

Richard

Good tomato soup and lots of bike talk but amazing experience so far

Lots of bike talk and very good tomato d

We are back. This time with Ruth.

Ruth and met in Richmond tonight. We are heading in to central London to meet Sam and the overnight sleeper to Glasgow.

Tomorrow we are heading to Islay.

I met a guy in SFO yesterday who was outrageously jealous of my plans. He was flying to Austin, TX. Poor chap.

I am going to Bruichladdich! Screw ‘Austin City Limits’.

Richard

This photo was taken on my second Stornoway to Ullapool crossing on Saturday 18 October. On my way to Glasgow with the Tiger this time. Conditions were a lot gloomier than the previous Wednesday.

I am planning to see Ken at home this weekend and give him the rest of the pictures I took at the crash site. I’ll leave it up to him whether we post them here or not.

Yesterday morning Sathya and I caught a flight back up to Glasgow. Ken had recently been moved to a much old wing in Glasgow Royal Infirmary and was very much looking forward to getting home. We spent a few hours with him in the ward before heading out to a nice little Italian restaurant, leaving Ken with the gourmet delights of NHS catering. By about 9pm Ken was ready to leave and the wheel chair was ordered. After a short wait for a cab, we transferred to the train station and a waiting electric buggy for transport to the Caledonian Sleeper. By 6:30am this morning we were back in London, with only one final buggy and cab before Ken could finally relax in his own home.

Now the planning starts for the Italian Job themed sequel. Watch this space…

sam.