I meant to get this little trip ‘diary’ kicked off much sooner than now, but as John Lennon said “life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans”. 2016 has been a rough year so far. In fact, this trip nearly got pushed off yet again, but I reached a point where I dug my heels in and said ‘I need this’. And so we’re going.  Takeoff is 10 am, September 19th.

Those of you who have been with us on ATW since the early days will be well aware that I’ve done this trip a couple times now (with variations along the way), and spent an awful lot of words sharing the experience in a travel blog sort of scenario. The first time was a solo jaunt that took me from love to infatuation. I was overwhelmed with all that Islay is, was and continues to offer going forward. I’m sure the rose-colored glasses thing had something to do with it, but the trip was truly magical. I’d go so far as to say it changed who I am fundamentally. But doesn’t solo travel always do that?

The second journey over was a vastly different experience. Less beholden to the serenity of introspection and intimate one-on-one treatment, but beautifully bombastic with the shared energy of five guys shucking the daily grind and escaping to this land of malt and waves. Having the right companions makes all the difference. The five of us meshed incredibly well.

Both trips hold incredibly special places in my heart.

This time ‘round it will be four of us heading over. Laidback, easygoing fellows with an eye to letting the current take us where it may. The hard bookings are made (flights, accommodations, distillery tours), but the rest of the trip will be more free form. And that excites me.

I think we’ll be a little more nitty gritty with our coverage this time ‘round. The more sordid details and all. And hopefully a little more timely too. I’m actually thinking about asking if any of the other lads care to share a bit of their story here on the site. We’ll see.

Oh yeah…and I should mention…there is a little something in the works for this trip that is infinitely exciting for me if it does indeed come to fruition. I’ll not spill details yet, but you’ll be first to know if it does happen.

Much, much more to come.

Seventeen days ‘til wheels up.

– Curt