The ferry leaving Aberdeen wasn't until 5 pm so not having to leave the site early meant a late getaway. Not wanting to arrive too early at Aberdeen we took an excursion to Stonehaven. The plan was to stop in the harbour car park for lunch, have a look at the harbour, and leave about 2:30ish for the ferry port. Of course, for a normal car, this would have been easy but MB was a bit of a beast and spaces were small. So on arrival, we had to think again, but something scuppered our chances of having lunch and a leisurely walk.
Reversing in at the exit was a blooming great recovery wagon. As we drove toward the exit our way was blocked. The car to be recovered was by a stone wall, sticking out slightly and at an almost impossible angle for the recovery to take place. It had a sticker on the windscreen with 'Under investigation',
But give the man his due, has obviously done tight places before, and with the winch managed to get it to the ramp. Trouble arose as he was trying to winch it up. It skewed off to the right and from that moment on his task was almost unworkable. 40 minutes we waited, watched, and marvelled at his ingenuity. Gosh, I felt sorry for him, he started to look flustered and I did wonder if we would get out of the car park at all. By now the time was coming up to 2.30. We had to be at the terminal at 3 pm. Suddenly the wheel he had attached the chain to, something snapped and the wheel ended up at a peculiar angle. In a way, this helped as now one wheel was pointing in the right direction and as he did the final winch, up it came.
We followed him out and the only bit of the harbour we did see was as we drove past!
Made it just in time, phew. No sooner had we taken the first lane, stopped to sort out an overnight bag, when a chap tapped on the window wanting us to drive MB in first. All to do with the positioning of vehicles but it meant we had hardly enough time to get what we wanted. I forgot my fleece which I regretted during the voyage. And I was equally concerned about the fridge and freezer. Ian knew but failed to mention that the gas would have to be turned off before getting on board. Rules of the water, no gas appliances to remain on. I nearly did a shop before leaving the mainland but with that holdup, had to forgo it. Wow was I thankful for that because I would have lost more than a few frozen veg, sausages, and chicken burgers. (the sausage and chicken burgers could be cooked and refrozen) It would be another 16 hours before the fridge could be turned on again and yep, everything had defrosted! Anyway first thing first, go to find our sleeping pod.
Now I don't know if anyone has ever tried a pod, I certainly had no idea what to expect, but I didn't think it was just a glorified recliner chair in a room of many! Trying to get it to tilt back was a right laugh. My legs couldn't push against anything, okay for the chaps whose feet touched the footrest but for anyone short, very difficult. Anyway, Ian tried it first, much to my amusement.
Once the bag was stowed I realised there would be no need for PJs, one would have to sleep fully dressed and keep shoes on. Leaving the pods we went exploring. It wasn't huge and we found a table next to the window at the back. By 5 pm we had got underway, dinner was served (we had two-course meal and breakfast included in the ticket price), and settled down to a very long voyage.
After 4 hours of playing Quiddler and Five Crowns, we had had enough. The ferry did not go directly to Lerwick, maybe that was why the crossing was to take 14 hours. Into Kirkwall on the Orkneys first for passengers to disembark. Time by now was 11 pm. Through the window, the sun was just setting. From now on dark skies wont be on our todo list. This far North it never truly gets dark. Shame the glass was so dirty and wet!
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| Kirkwall, Orkney |
We headed for our pod in the hope of a decent night's sleep. Some folk already in and one chap snoring away. Trying to be as quiet as possible, we failed and woke him up. Oh well, at least the snoring stopped.
So how was our night onboard? Tomorrow all will be revealed
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