Whilst the rest of the UK was wearing waterproofs and carrying brollies, F+F and I went to Skye for our summer holiday in August.

It's a bloody long way to go in a car [468 miles / 11 hours with stops] but well worth it. From the moment we went over the Bridge and made our way around the coast to Staffin on the NE of the isle, the views were stunning.

The place we rented was once a stone barn, recently converted to a fabulous modern home. With a peat burning stove. I like that. John MacKenzie the owner, was wonderful company, giving us fresh mackerel, peat for the stove, lifts to the nearby hills, and entertaining us with his gentle humour whilst sharing a wee dram.

From The Bothy [for that is what it is called] we could look out at Staffin Bay, with The Quiraing behind us, and it was great.
I took Freddy for a bimble up to Fingals Fingers and along the Quiraing, we went to Talisker Bay and I swam in me undies in the sea. Port Neist was stunning with the islands in the mist on the horizon which we will visit next time. Duntulm and Flodigarry promise a sea voyage, and the Cuillins beckon. Francie took me to the Three Chimneys Restaurant for lunch on my birthday [reassuringly...]

I only went out in my kayak a couple of times; up Loch Dunvegan to see the seals and around the coast to Staffin Island  and Flodigarry cliffs. Next time I'll book onto a guided tour with Skayak. I want to look UP at Kilt Rock not down.

We only had a week there but Skye is  a great place. We'll be back. And we'll go on the ferry from Mallaig. And go to the Outer Hebrides. And bring back more Skye Brewery ale. But we won't buy malt whisky from the Talisker Distillery at their prices.

PS we stopped at Kinlochleven on the way back for the night. It is, as my mate Frank described it "Midge Breeding Central"