As ever, packing was a pain – particularly as I was trying to think about the almost inevitable chill on Islay’s beaches whilst sweltering in Bristol. In the end the heat clearly addled my brain and I arrived with only one decent jumper, no hats, scarves or other useful bits of layering. Luckily I went into auto-pilot for the girls so they are just about ok. But yesterday was completely glorious – bright blue skies, sparkling sea, impromptu paddling and lots of seal watching – from the garden! Time for the annual mermaid …

No more posts for a bit – I only brought the computer in order to finish off a couple of
work-related bits and pieces, and I’ve ticked them off now. Let the holiday begin.