We have experienced some spectacular sunsets from out hilltop home and this one recently was a doozy. I noticed a red glow outside and, glancing out of the lounge window, this is what I saw.
I grabbed my camera and raced outside to watch as nature set fire to the western sky.
Whichever direction I looked, different patterns and colours were emerging,
as though looking through a huge kaleidoscope.
The sun sank below the horizon,
the show over for another day.
We hadn’t planned ahead for our trip through Scotland, preferring to see where each day ended. Late October is not the height of the tourist season, however, arriving on the Isle of Skye we found accommodation scarce. We were very fortunate to find a room at Uig Hotel, a beautiful old coaching inn dating back to 1831.
We settled in at the bar to enjoy some local beverages. A Red Cuillin ale for Michael, brewed locally since 1995 and a Talisker single malt for me from the only distillery on the Isle of Skye. We absorbed the stunning view of Uig Bay and Loch Snizort.
The tower in our sights was a 19th century folly, known as Fraser’s Folly. The tenants of Kilmuir Estate, owned by Major William Fraser in 1855, would go to the folly to pay their rents. The tower was later turned into a family home and eventually abandoned in the 1950s.
We enjoyed a superb meal in The Folly restaurant at the hotel, Michael honouring his Scottish roots with a main course of venison haggis. The next morning, we awoke to severe stormy weather. We had decided to explore the island in an anticlockwise direction and see where the road led, we weren’t going to let the elements stop us. The camera stayed safely tucked away until we came across Sligachan Bridge.
Built in the 1820s, it was taking quite a beating from the waters whipped up by the gale force winds.
Apparently, the views of the Black Cuillin mountains are spectacular on a clear day. Legend has it that if you dip your face in the river water by the bridge for seven seconds, you will stay young and beautiful forever. I certainly wasn’t going to try on this day.
After many hours of blood, sweat and, yes, tears, I am able to announce Tiger Dreaming, the website has been born. Not only will you find everything you need to know about The Tramp, there is a whole world of music, art and words to explore.
I hope you’ll visit, leave a comment or ‘like’ and maybe even get in touch.
Our journey from Meelup to Cape Naturaliste involved a detour to Eagle Bay Brewing Co. Situated in the northwestern corner of the Margaret River region, this microbrewery has been a family affair since 2010. The sweeping views over verdant farmland made for a glorious backdrop to enjoy a leisurely beverage.
The handcrafted beers are brewed in small batches, the magic is created with only four ingredients; malted barley, yeast, hops and rainwater fresh from the heavens. Whichever way you look at it, the tasting paddle was the obvious choice.
The mist gathering on the horizon wasn’t only induced by the beer,
I can’t say the same for the smile on Michael’s face as we departed.
Next time, lunch is definitely on the menu.
Camucia was the nearest town to our rented villa, Il Castagno, and the ideal place to stock up on groceries and, of course, vino. Nestled at the foot of the hill on which Cortona sits, the town is small with beautiful streetscapes.
Thursday is market day in Camucia and we spent a gorgeous, sunny morning meandering amid the stalls.
There was everything imaginable for sale from clothes, shoes, toys and linens
to flowers and fresh fruit and vegetables.
I was too busy salivating at the array of fresh produce to take photos of it. Roasted pork was very popular, served from vans on Tuscan bread with the most exquisite crackling.
We returned to the villa for a lazy afternoon, I even had my first siesta.
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