We were all awake and functioning around 5am. Our plan to weigh anchor at 6 was right on time with lots of thick mud on the chain and anchor that needed washing as we pulled it up. Lock Scavaig was flat calm and dry but the midges…tiny annoying flies…were everywhere. Once we started moving the midges disappeared. They can’t fly as fast as we can move.
We motored most of the way up the coast to Loch Harport where Talisker, one of the well known scotch producers on Skye is located . We dropped anchor and took the dinghy into the dock just in time for our tour of the distillery. The most impressive part, in my view, is the room where the distillations take place in 2 sets of enormous copper stills. Once the double distillation is done, the clear alcoholic liquid is placed in barrels made mostly from American bourbon barrel staves because bourbon barrels can be used only once according to regulations. There are also barrels from other alcohols like sherry or port to add additional flavor to the scotch.
After our tour we had a tasting of the scotch that is sold only at the distillery which is a special blend of different cask flavors. I bought a bottle.
We were directed to a small restaurant, part of Talisker, that served a light lunch including delicious local oysters ( with scotch to spray on) small sandwiches, and little canapés. Scotch was available for sale at the bar as an alternative to lemonade. Knowing that we planned to leave for our next port shortly after lunch, we all had lemonade.
We were back to the boat and ready to leave around 2p. We motored out of Loch Harport leaving Talisker, and set sail for Loch Skipport with a pretty small anchorage inside, Wizard Pool. We were the 4th boat to arrive at around 6 pm. Then about 8 more of our group who joined the anchorage inside the following hour or so. After a very long day, we were happy to have dinner and go to bed. We will probably move again tomorrow.
The Adventures of Anne 