A tight connection to the ferry this morning… the cab was fifteen minutes behind schedule, but fortunately got me to Port Ellen in time to return (and pay for) the bicycle hire and make it onto the ferry back to Kennacraig. Extra kindness mention: Carol’s Cabs did not charge me for waiting at Islay Cycles while I was completing the transaction, and the lift down to the ferry terminal was also not on the meter (yes, I tipped). Take note: when the ferry is scheduled to depart at 9:45 A.M., passenger loading ends at 9:35 A.M.! Perhaps next time I will fly to Islay – it would certainly be quicker (but not as scenic), and when all costs are added up it might not be that much more expensive to take flybe than the CalMac-CityLink combination. Although I have become reluctant to check my suitcase… two more times….
entrance into West Loch Tarbert; yes, today wasn’t so sunny… I got lucky with the weather on Islay (yesterday’s bike ride partially in a shower notwithstanding)
approach to the Kennacraig Ferry Terminal
everybody off – including you, my dear sweet suitcase
I am crossing fingers that dinner at Alla Turca (a Turkish restaurant in Glasgow!) will not result in the same disappointment as I experienced when I returned to Sharky’s in Blacksburg, Virginia a few years ago. Back in the late 90s, Sharky’s had awesomely delicious and spicy “911 wings”; a little over ten years later, the recipe had changed to the standard, vinegary hot wing sauce… I should have never gone back. Three years ago, Alla Turca was a real find: while nothing particularly unfamiliar was on the menu, every dish was prepared incredibly well. If dinner disappoints tonight, I hope that the Germans will not – I am counting on the match v. Ghana being broadcast at The State Bar around the corner from my hotel. Sunday is wide open; we’ll see what Glasgow has to offer.
Pete and Peat 