Wednesday 28th August. Lerwick, Shetland Islands. Scotland.
Another amazing place. The Shetland Islands are a sub-arctic group of islands about half way between Norway and the very top of Scotland.
Humans have lived in here since the Mesolithic period (Around 15,000 Before Present).
The islands became part of Scotland in the 15th century when they were given as part of a dowry by a Netherland’s King.
In the 17th century it served as a post for the Netherlands Herring fishing industry. Fishing is still an important part of the economy up to the present day but the discovery of oil in the North Sea in the 1970s started many changes.
The weather report tipped lots of rain today. And when I looked out the window at 4.30 am – and it was daylight, I could see they got it correct. Heavy fog and light rain.
But we didn’t arrive until 10am. And it had lightened a bit by then.
It was a tender port and in we went to a beautiful old town, red stone buildings and green rolling hills all around.
We hopped into our bus for our (ship) tour and headed off up the hills. At some times it was a whiteout.
But then, the sun started to burn through and the clouds lifted. And who could believe the day they turned on for us.
Beautiful farm houses, Shetland ponies and fluffy sheep.
Our visit today was to a small island called Mousa, famous for the ‘Broch of Mousa’, an Iron Age found tower and as a natural area with a number of bird colonies.
The Broch is 2,300 years old and is the best preserved Iron Age fortification in the British Isles. It’s on the shoreline and is one of a pair of brochs guarding Mousa Sound. They believe they may have been part of a chain of brochs in this part of Shetland, visible from each other and used as a beacon system.
It was again inhabited in 1770 when a local farmer settled there to build a house for his lush of a wife who was causing trouble in town. He built a grand house and some crofts (farm houses) for tenants to work the land and supply the house.
But the clever wife devised a way to get the Netherland smugglers to supply her with grog. They would hid a stash under a rock. She would g for a stroll through the grounds, have her drink and leave money for next time. Sadly it did eventually killed her.
His second wife outlived him and remained there until the 1850’s when the farm was abandoned.
It is now the most amazing bird sanctuary – mainly for Arctic Terns, Storm Petrels and Black Guillemots. Both Grey Seals and Common Seals breed there as well.
We travelled over on a tiny ferry. The seats are removable for when they need to bring sheep back. And walked around for a few hours. Beautiful.
Most of the island is a peat base with spongy damp grass on top. It was like walking on a trampoline, with five or so centimetres of spring in most parts. And fairly wet. It was so lush. Fat sheep grazed on it.
We walked to the Broch and climbed to the top. It’s the oldest staircase in the UK and was quiet horrid. They must have had little feet 2,300 years ago as the steps were only 100mm by 100mm. And one section was dark. Lucky they had put a great hand rail in!
We then walked over past the ruins of the grand house and the tenant houses. There was an old mill house tot eh other side of the island and saw some seals.
The whole place was stunning.
Back in Lerwich we wandered around and ate some sensational fish from the fish and chip shop. Haddock. So soft and flaky. At least half of the shops sold knotted goods. They were beautiful but most beanie’s cost around 80 plus pounds.
I got money from an ATM. It was money issued by the local bank – not the Bank of Scotland, or England or something. Hope I can use the left over some day.
Another fun day, And Yay – finally a sea day tomorrow.
Back on board was another amazing treat. The fanciest cake! Too much for one person so I took it up to the bar staff in the Lounge.
Thursday 29th August – At Sea
The day started with a bit of a sleep in then up to go for the first session of choir. We are singing in Ain’t No Mountain High Enough and Hallelujah (the modern one – not the church one). This was more of a registration day and a chat about our program – hahah.
It was then off to the Suites Brunch with heaps of amazing food.
Progressive Trivia, I just wandered around and found a group who needed one more player. We did very well!
The “Blue Nose” ceremony was held. And since I have only flown over the Arctic Circle (even though I spent a few weeks up there) I had to do the ceremony. The Captain said that Neptune was busy and couldn’t come and do the ceremony and had rung him and asked him to do it – since he was born and spent most of his life above the circle.
We all lined up and walked up to the Captain with a giant bin of ice and water. I believe he summed up his victims as some got a soup ladle down their back and others of us got a giant bowl of it. Poured straight down your back, inside your clothes! Yep, it was cold.
We then had our noses painted blue ad were given a shot of Aquavit. Oh dear it is horrid stuff.
Fun! But a sleep was needed after the Aquavit.
I’ll fix the crooked photos asap.
Todays treats
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