A few days away over on the Western Isles. Mostly Harris but a wee bit of Lewis. Mostly pleasure but a bit of business too. It felt like a different world, and I found it intoxicating. I often bemoan the lack of ‘proper’ hills here on Islay and miss the experience of travelling through the landscape, rather than just over it (what am I talking about here: There are next to no glens on Islay; everything is overland and not through hills). Harris sorted that out. For hills which aren’t, in the grand scheme, aren’t all that high they command awe and ‘oohs’ at every turn.
I’ve lots of personal connections to the island, but hadn’t visited since I was a wee tot so don’t suppose that counts, really. It was a pleasure to visit family, with family, and see where family now departed once lived and worked. I already can’t wait to get back and explore further; hopefully this time without the distraction of work.
One last thing; while I’ve not got any photos as proof take my word for it that standing at the Calanais stones as thunder rumbles, lightning strikes and rain pours down around you is indeed as dramatic experience as you could hope. Thanks, Lewis, chi mi a-rithisd thu.
Gorgeous, Anna – and I’m so glad you had a good time. The fourth photo down is my particular favourite…I could look at it all day. Soothing for city-living.
Thanks, Rebecca, that particular spot quite literally took my breath away. I’m so glad my photo turned out okay – probably one of the ones I’m most pleased with from the holiday.
Beautiful pictures! And I belive you – that sounds lika an extraordinary experience indeed!
Thank you, Katarina! It was quite something, and wonderful to visit somewhere so (archaeologically, at least) famous.
Wonderful photos and descriptions! I have fond memories of Lewis and Harris too, and I agree about the drama and intensity of Calanais.
Thanks for your kind words, Jo. It was a great trip, and in many ways I’ve felt unable to really do it justice. Such a variety of landscapes, environments. Strange to be in a place so familiar yet so unknown.