Downside of the crossing.

26th June

Groan!  For anyone coming to Shetland with the Northlink Ferry, do not book a pod! Not only was it pricey, and very uncomfortable because of the position of where our legs were positioned, but more importantly with 30 or more people in so close proximity the whole experience was purgatory! You would do better off taking the cushions off the seats in the forward lounge, carrying a blanket and pillow, and sleeping on the floor, or if that doesn't appeal, and if there is room, the cushioned bench seats would do just as well. There is always the option of paying for a recliner, like those in a plane, you would still get a more restful night's sleep than in a pod!

 

As it turned out, by 2 am we both had had enough. In this room was a chorus of snorers and not one in tune with the next! We had huffers, grunters, whistlers, those with sleep apnoea whose sudden intake of breath had us wondering when the next one would come, and downright noisy snoring. We both slept at first, mainly after we had settled down, for roughly two hours. With both awake Ian made a T shape with his fingers, that would be very welcome. Our rucksack came with us, no way would any amount of money or persuasion make us return. Those plane-type recliners beckoned, only had two people right at the front so we took two at the back. While Ian was away getting a cuppa, the pink tint of the sunrise had me grabbing the camera. Amazing at 3 am.

 

The phones came out and games played. I even did Wordle earlier than Marilyn in NZ! We moved to the front lounge after the phone batteries were low, two plugs had been clocked earlier but then people had collared the table. This time the floor was littered with people but that table was free so we took it. Shetland was approaching, we could see it in the distance and for a while, watched as we got nearer. By 6.30 am breakfast was served. We ate a full English with two toast and a cup of tea. Then it was up to the deck to watch as the ferry approached Lerwick.

The Pilot boat was seen arriving, dropped off the Pilot, and then escorted the ferry into port.

7.30 am we were called to return to vehicles. I just got the last photo of the ferry coming into the side.

Was this a good omen as we disembarked? Wildlife was one of the reasons for the visit.

A seal right by the boat.

And the first real look at the ferry

 The first thing on both our minds was somewhere to stop for a sleep. The Park4Night app showed one very near to Sound.  Gosh when Ian turned down the narrowest of roads, I wondered if this was right. At the end was a huge rutted car park. Holes were everywhere and the MB's suspension certainly got hammered. Anyway, we pulled down the blinds, got out the beds, and slept for well over 4 hours. 

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So after finding a launderette, shopping to replenish the frozen food, we decided not to go exploring today, and return to the same car park to stay overnight.

Tomorrow is decision day as to where to start on the island. One downside, rain has been forecast for the next 6 days. Great!!!! My so-called waterproof is no longer waterproof and the only place in Lerwick that I may have been able to purchase one is shut on Wednesday. Typical!