A little bit of Oz at East Burra

 This island is beautiful if only the sun would shine and we didn't have this incessant rain and high winds, we could see it in all its glory. Everything looks dull and grey instead of alive and vibrant. Last night we even considered moving somewhere more sheltered. A sudden high gust nearly took the skylight with it. It was securely shut or so we thought! On inspection part of the seal had perished which allowed just enough of the wind to get under it. There is not much Ian doesn't carry in the way of materials for fixing things and out came a roll of double-sided tape. It was soon resealed.

Back into Lerwick this morning. Looking through all the leaflets picked up from the information centre, we rather fancied going to Unst which means taking two ferries to get over to it. So we booked to go across on Monday. One price paid, a little over £30 for the whole journey with the return ticket, was amazing. With that done we wondered where to go. Rain was still lashing down, the wind had died slightly, but still not really the weather for seeing stuff outside. In Lerwick was Fort Charlotte, hopefully there would be rooms for us to wander through. Well, what a let down. Everywhere shut other than being able to wander outside. and apart from a few canons and a flag pole in the middle of a grassy area, wouldn't say it was particularly interesting. So we left with just a few photos and two very wet people.

Our campsite for tonight was at a place called Scalloway. Campsites are few and far between, something we hadn't realised when we got onto the island. Wild camping is fine, nearly any large layby or graveled area will do but the problem of emptying the loo and getting water was always on our mind. So after trying one that was full, managed to book a place at Asta. On route towards West Burra, we came across Meal Beech. It was still lashing down, the wind made the rain almost horizontal but determination to have a walk put all that aside and the wet weather gear was put on.

Trying to take photos was interesting, the camera was protected by a plastic bag but as soon as I took it out, the lens got soaked. This was all I got but Ian managed a selfie as his phone was waterproof. It doesn't show the rain but trust me it was there!

 Having heard of a place called the Outpost, decided to take a look. This was one of the 'must do' suggestd to us by Normans son. Yep we had been in contact last night  and a list of things to go and see had been given.

The road to it was very picturesque. The rain had eased which lifted our mood enormously.

At one of the many tiny hamlets we drove past, this was seen.

 

Nearly at the end of the road, we turned right, down what I thought was someone's drive. But there it was about halfway down. We saw the flag first so knew we were on the right track.

Anyway, we arrived at a large hut, on the end wall was a great mural of Aussie animals. So why is this here? Well Tasmanian Dave Kok, built his own Aussie oasis in Shetland after deciding to settle there when he was travelling Europe. 

No one was about but there were donation boxes scattered around. This place was nuts! Who would have thought in this part of Shetland, Emus and Wallabies, as well as Pigmy goats could be seen? Not just them but KuneKune pigs from New Zealand, budgies, a lovely Green Cheeked parrakeet and a bird I have no idea what it was but looked like a quail

Ian popped £10 in the box, the animals looked well cared for and we enjoyed the visit.

By 3 pm we made it to the campsite. It was situated next to Asta Loch and golf course, a lovey rural location. The cost was £30, very high or so we thought. But what a surprise when we were told the washing machine and dryer were free to use. I made the most of this by doing two wash loads. We also had electric and was told not to hurry to leave in the morning. 

And we got to watch a bit of golf.

We had hoped to do Scalloway Castle but that was closed for renovations so a bit of a loss as what to do tomorrow. Really hope the weather improves though, because we could do with some warm and dry conditions.

  And seen on route,