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Sun 31 May 2009
Fair Isle
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.
Posted by skipper at 03:22 PM | Comments (0)
Wed 27 May 2009
Westray
On leaving Rousay we called in at Egilsay and visited the remains of St. Magnus' Church where in the 12th century Magnus, joint Earl of Orkney, was treacherously murdered by his cousin and joint Earl Hakon. Then on to Westray in beautiful weather, and straight off for Fitty Hill, the highest point of the island, where we found many nests of gulls, oystercatchers, fulmars and a goose. The next day, armed with detailed directions, we set off in search of Primula Scotica, a tiny, very rare flower which grows in a few scattered locations. The walk included a visit to the Wheeling Steen Gallery, a superb place with wonderful artwork, photography and coffee shop. On Sunday, after a walk to Noup Head, Alison left us for the return journey to Inverness
Posted by skipper at 12:00 PM | Comments (0)
Thu 21 May 2009
Kirkwall and Northwards
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.
Posted by skipper at 10:06 PM | Comments (0)
Mon 4 May 2009
Orkney Sunset
An Orkney sunset seems an apt way to sign off this blog for a couple of weeks. We are off to the South of France to join Caroy at the start of her passage back to the UK through the French canal system. Temperatures there are around the 70s - a world of a difference from those prevailing in the Northern Isles. Hopefully, summer weather will have reached there by the time of our return.
Posted by skipper at 11:57 AM | Comments (2)