We were disappointed to find that the Bird Observatory was not only
closed but also largely demolished. A replacement is going to built on
the same site and should be ready for next season. In glorious weather,
we walked right round the island and climbed Ward Hill. A highlight of
the day for locals and visitors alike was the arrival of two Shetland
Ponies on the Good Shepherd. The outward trip to Sumburgh had seen a
scrapped car sent off on its final trip. Strong southerly winds
overnight brought intermittent showers the next day and we managed short
walks in the dry spells. At 0600 the next morning three yachts left for
Shetland, passing the Polar Star, an adventure cruise ship, anchored out
off North Haven. Although winds were now light, there was a residual sea
running in the notorious area between Fair Isle and Shetland, but the
Sumburgh roost was not in evidence. We anchored in Grutness Voe just off
Sumburgh Airport, well sheltered from the next blow from the south.