On our return to Kirkwall (photo of Old Harbour with spire of St Magnus
Cathedral behind) we found that summer temperatures had not yet arrived,
but after a day of boat chores we were rewarded with warm sunshine.
There was a sudden flurry of activity in the marina as local boat-owners
turned out to make ready for the season. We were joined by Andrew and
Alison for a few days and immediately set off for a walk from Finstown
back to Kirkwall over the tops of Keelylang Hill and Wideford Hill. We
were caught in a lengthy shower, but a fine evening ensued. Today we
left Kirkwall and motored north to Rousay, where the flat calm
conditions allowed us to berth at the pier. An easy ascent of Blotchnie
Fiold, the highest hill, saw us in afternoon showers again – this
weather pattern seems established with more of the same expected
tomorrow. Our next port of call will be Westray, where we look forward
to a feast of dressed Orkney crab – ordered today and fresh landed tomorrow.