This is what I've spent the last week looking at. We were on the Hebridean island of Lewis, enjoying absolute peace and quiet, far away from people, mobile phone signals, the internet (apologies if you've emailed me and not had a reply yet - I shall catch up soon).
We walked, fished (that's Mr. C. in a state of utter contentment), stalked deer, rowed boats, swam in both the loch and the sea, explored an uninhabited island, read (but only a very little), saw Harris tweed being woven (and more on that later) played Scrabble, and had a very good time.
The ever-changing light on the water and the hills held my attention for hours, so simply doing nothing was often the order of the day.
The restorative powers of such a beautiful and secluded place, even in wild weather, are great; I for one can't wait to go back.
Wow! How incredibly beautiful!
Posted by: Kate/Massachusetts | 17 August 2009 at 01:05 AM
What gorgeous photos! I don't blame you a bit for not reading more than a book or two--I don't think I would either. It's been so long since I've been on a proper vacation I don't remember what it's like. For me it depends on what sort of vacation and if there is lots to do! Glad to hear you had such a lovely time. At the moment I'm reading The Franchise Affair (great) and Coming Home (a reread and just as good the second time as the first!). Glad you're back!
Posted by: Danielle | 17 August 2009 at 02:05 AM
Pure heaven.
Posted by: Pamela | 17 August 2009 at 02:08 AM
I spent last week on the island of Tiree. Very different to Lewis. No hills but the most stunning beaches. White sands and turquoise sea and, as you say, incredible light and ever-changing weather.
Posted by: Claire | 17 August 2009 at 08:33 AM
Beautiful, even the mist and cloud; I suppose that weather was better for the fishing! Glad you had such a relaxing time.
Posted by: Barbara | 17 August 2009 at 08:45 AM
Oh it looks fabulous and somehow a bit of wild weather in a place like that never seems so bad.
Posted by: Rebecca | 17 August 2009 at 09:17 AM
What beautiful photographs. It looks idealic, restful and just perfect.
Posted by: Jennifer Dee | 17 August 2009 at 09:22 AM
Lovely photos, Karen. The colours look cool and calm. I particularly like the second one. It has an ethereal, timeless quality, as if it could have been taken yesterday or perhaps a century ago.
Posted by: Lisa W | 17 August 2009 at 03:03 PM
Sigh. I wish I were there NOW!!! :) Beautiful images!!
Posted by: Neuroknitter | 17 August 2009 at 05:47 PM
Sigh... Looks positively heavenly!
Posted by: Nicole | 20 August 2009 at 01:26 PM
I've been reading the novels of D E Stevenson lately and my heart is aching for Scotland. She describes it all so lovingly. The photos are beautiful.
md
Posted by: Mary Ronan Drew | 22 August 2009 at 02:27 AM
Well I am off to the Highlands of Scotland tomorrow for two weeks or so and your blog has made me long to get there. I am a long term lover of the Scottish Highlands and once had a home there. I cant wait to see the beautiful loch where we are staying at Fort William. We will travel around and hope to have some photographs like yours. I will draw and paint designs for my textile art whilst there.
Irene
Posted by: irene | 18 August 2010 at 12:32 PM
Have a wonderful time, Irene - it's a beautiful part of the world!
Posted by: Cornflower | 18 August 2010 at 01:35 PM