Like most days here in Scotland, the weather flips from rain to sun quickly. It’s good to have 2 types of clothes with you while you travel. I had my rain pants on and my long johns in my camera bag just in case.
Today’s itinerary was different; we immediately left for a short ferry ride to Rousay. It’s an island off the coast with a rocky coast line. Like much of what we see, there are ruins of burial grounds and churches. This site is particularly beautiful because much of it still stands. It’s location by the sea makes it even more beautiful.
This was a day of hiking around the coast, up and down the hilly terrain. Luckily we had no rain today. The long walk back to the road ended with a pickle and cheese sandwich, a bowl of sweet potato and chili soup. Then to a small ruin which looks like an ancient submarine.
I am sure this is interesting to someone. After all, wouldn’t you climb a hill to open a steel trap door and see this? <smile>
Next was the ferry back home with breathtaking views of the sky and ocean. While the trip was short, the sky was amazing and the weather was delivering bands of sun across the coast line.
And back to Woodwick House for a quick dinner. Tonight was a special night because we were about to take front row seating at the Orkney Folk Festival. While I never heard of the musicians, the music was amazing and wonderful. We listened as a 16 year old harp player and her 13 year old brother belted out some traditional American blues and classic Scottish music as well. It was quite an adventure.
Finally, if that were not enough, as we arrived back at midnight, a few of us decided to do some night photography and lit an old pigeon roost converted to a ceremonial pavilion, with candles and flashlights. I will show you that when I get home and have some time to clean it up, it was amazing. Finally at 1:15, we were too exhausted to continue so we were done.
