Saturday, 19th July - Orkney to Shetland
We left Orkney for Shetland by ferry at 11.45pm on Saturday 19 July. The ride over again was very smooth. However, we had only opted for the 'reclining seats' or 'sleeping Pods'. No better than an economy airline seat and difficult to get a decent nights sleep. But off the ship at Lerwick and we were away to our accommodation in the lovely Busta House at Brae. No sooner there, we were off to visit the breathtaking cliffs at Eshaness. Fantastic!
Shetland is quite barren, as distinct from Orkney, which was very green and lush. But Shetland has contours, hills and valleys and is always different, whilst Orkney can be quite flat and similar. We went down to Sumborough, perhaps the only day we have seen significant rain, to try to see some elusive Puffins. My goodness, there were cheeky Puffins everywhere. Perched on the very top of massive cliffs, these wonderful birds nest in burrows, similar to penguins, and fly away to fetch a feed below. To see them fly, it appears their wings are like propellers. To see them land, it seems their little legs are steering them to a certain crash! Soooo cute!
We had to drive across an airport runway to get there.
We later went on a cruise to Noss Island, off Shetland. Magnificent and well worth it. Seals greeted us and followed us, whilst the bird life of this protected area is astounding. The cliffs are unbelievable! The last day, we travelled up to the most northern point of the United Kingdom, a place called Muckle Flugger! This place is actually on the same latitude as Norway!
Driving around Shetland and Orkney, it is apparent their second industry to tourism is beef cattle. Some of the beasts are massive. And they believe in leaving their bulls with the cows. One afternoon we found a big fella who seemed a little agitated with another bull in an opposite paddock. I pulled up alongside, and wound Cath's window down without her knowing. Great reaction!! But seriously, the little fence was not going to stop this bloke...
We returned to Lerwick to jump back on the ferry to take us down to Aberdeen on the mainland. This time, we booked a cabin. Well worth the money. A single comfy bunk each, and eight hours wonderful sleep!
60 degrees Latitude....Next landfall Norway!
Back to Aberdeen and away again!
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