The excursion from Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis took TSH and Diva to the Callanish standing Stones built around 3000 BC. They also saw a Broch, which was probably a defensive structure built to repel pirates, and the Blackhouse village, where people lived until the 1960s. The scenery on this island, including looking across to the more mountainous Isle of Harris, surpassed expectations.
Over to Orkney and the port of Kirkwall. More archaeology, presented more professionally than the previous day. The Ring of Brodgar sound likes something out of Tolkien but it is an extremely impressive and huge stone circle in an atmospheric setting. The visit then took in the Stone Age settlement of Skara Brae, which dates from almost 5000 years ago. When he attempted to rush around the site in a characteristic search for the best camera angles, TSH was politely asked by the warden to keep to the path. Nearby was the manor house of the Laird who discovered Skara Brae. The drive back to the Silver Spirit passed more standing stones and Scapa Flow, an important naval station in both WWI and WWII. The bus also passed through a RSPB reserve where little owls are said to be common.
People who live in areas like Florida are struggling with the concept that anyone would choose to live somewhere where a typical summer (or winter) day is grey and cold (about 14C for visit). Fortunately, the typical high winds were not apparent.
Spotted during excursions: Hare, rabbits, seals, curlews, oyster catchers. The seals were said to be present because they were escaping from the large numbers of orcas which are in the seas around Orkney. There were many breeds of cows and sheep and a few Shetland ponies – the Orkney pony breed was similar but has died out.
Cruise ships seen so far: Silver Cloud, Celebrity Eclipse, Azamara Pursuit, Aida, Cruise and Maritime.
Smooth seas so far!!
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