Orkney Islands

 June 8

Today we catch a morning ferry to the Orkney Islands in order to continue our adventures.  We have two sources telling us different amounts of time that it will take us to get to the ferry.  One says 2 1/2 hours, the other 3 1/2 hours.  We decide we don't want to risk missing the boat which means leaving at 4 AM.  I think we all pictured starting in the dark of night and watching the sun rise.  We are far enough North that it is already light at 4 AM.  And it was still light when I went to bed last night at 11:30.  Strange to get used to!

The shorter time ended up being correct which gave us time to fill the gas tank and for Marilyn to fill her wallet at the ATM. And we were still first in the line for the ferry.   The drive up was beautiful.  The road followed along the coast of the North Sea.  Up and down, sharp curves, small stone houses with windows looking out over the water. 

It was reassuring to see that the big trucks on the ferry were being chained in place.  We went upstairs and had a good hot breakfast.  When we were done with breakfast we were getting close to the Orkney Islands and the views from the decks were interesting.  It was quite cold and windy though!  I will be taking my binoculars with me on the way back.  

We can't check into our B&B until 4 PM so we have the day to explore.  Having GPS in the car certainly makes getting around easier!  

Our first stop is the Ring of Brodgar.  The Orkney Islands have become a popular stop for some cruise ships.  This of course brings a rush of tourists when a boat is docked.  There were several tour buses at the standing stones.  We went the opposite direction around the stones so the onslaught of tourists wasn't too bad.  Of course we stayed longer than they did and by the time we left it was nearly empty.  There is very little know about the standing stones other than that they are from the Neolithic period.  It is one of only a handful that are a complete circle.  It appears that originally there were 60 stones but now only 35 are standing.  

Our next stop is Skara Brae, a 6000 year old Neolithic settlement.  The site was discovered after a very large storm that washed over the area and exposed the ruins of the site.  About 50 people lived in the settlement.  Each of the housing units were identical and still contained the original stone furniture.  There was a full-sized replica of one of the units that we went in.  We could only view the originals from above.  The setting on the water made it all extra special.  

We were also able to visit the 17th century manor house of the owner of the land that Skara Brae was on.  Today it can be rented for special occasions.  The check-out person in the gift shop overheard us saying we thought the "airy coo" was mythical beast like the unicorn because we hadn't seen any.  He told us about a herd that he had seen on the way to work that morning and gave us directions down little roads to find it.  Sure enough!  I guess they are real!

On to the Brogh of Bursay where we see wonderful crashing waves.  There is a stairway down to the water's edge so of course I have to go.  There is a boardwalk across to the island with a lighthouse.  Unfortunately, it is partially covered except during low tide.  It isn't low tide so I go out as far as I can.  The water is remarkably clear.  The gentle waves make the kelp dance.  I was surprised to find a limpet shell among the rounded stones.  

It's time to eat something!  The last time we ate was on the ship and now it's close to 4.  Hmmm.  Seems that places aren't open for food at 4PM.  So we decide to check in to our B&B and ask for recommendations.  Our B&B is delightful with a lovely view from our window.  By the time we head out, restaurants are open.  We're hungry enough that we stop at the place closest to where we parked the car.  It was OK but nothing to write home about.  And they were out of the local dark beer.  Bleah!

Back to our room to settle in for the night.