Oh dear, staying by Stenness Loch, we should have remembered what state MB was in the next morning. Today I noticed those white insect cases on the window again and going outside saw MB covered in those tiny black flies. This time trying to sweep them off didn't work, the bonnet and sides were wet, and they had stuck themselves to the paintwork. Oh well, we need some heavy rain to wash them off.
The day was cold and grey and more windy conditions forecast. Didn't bode well for the crossing to Hoy. The ferry from Houton to Lyness would only take 35 minutes, and I thought it best to go into the saloon when we boarded.
The ticket office was a few minute walks from the car park. We had thought about taking MB across to the island of Hoy, but at the cost of £45, decided against it. Instead, as foot passengers, the fare for us both, including return, was £9.40. Bargain.
The saloon with its many benches was almost empty, I really didn't want to stay in there, not a window to be seen and it felt claustrophobic. I overheard someone say there was an outside deck, we followed and found a small area overlooking the car deck. Seats were found, the ferry left, and immediately the force of the wind and drizzle hit us. So very cold, but no way were we going to go below.
So looking forward to disembarking at Lyness, shame we had to wait until the vehicles left, the cold was beginning to filter through to my bones!
Scapa Flow Museum was warm, wonderful, and before doing anything else, went for a hot cup of tea in the café. A very nice gentleman gave us a talk and leaflet, we asked about paying and were told it was free to enter. Wow, didn't expect that! Looking at the web page later, it did state the museum was free, duh!
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| Hmm, somehow I don't think it will fit FS! |
Its amazing what this museum has inside. I take back what I thought yesterday about it not being for me. Yes it was about the ships sunk in Scapa Flow but also how this was the biggest Navel Base in the first and second World Wars. This from Scapa Flow Museum
Scapa Flow Museum’s role is to chart Orkney’s military involvement in the First and Second World Wars and provide a safe home for a major collection of wartime artefacts, many of national and international importance. The many stories are brought to life through a world class display of over 250 artefacts and interactive exhibits.
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| All from HMS Hampshire |
Our return to Houton was on the 2 pm ferry. We made it but could have spent another 30 minutes looking at the exhibits. Three hours was only just long enough. The ferry came in very rapidly. In fact, we wondered if it was going to stop and seemed to skew to one side. Eventually it docked. We watched as the vehicles disembarked, and amongst these vehicles was a Police car. Well, no sooner had it touched firm ground, the foot hit the accelerator, sirens and blues and twos came on. We were amazed, and then one bright young lady said, "35 minutes crossing... this must be the slowest response to any emergency...ever!" Well, everyone standing by her dissolved, we couldn't stop laughing! One of the crew heard this and said the Police had phoned ahead and told the Captain not to leave Houton until they had arrived. Then it was a bit of a dash to arrive at Lyness, so the Police could attend the emergency.
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| That's quite an angle to try and dock. |
Boarding first again we sat outside and I swear it was even colder. This time it took an hour to get back, not the 35 minutes it should have taken because what we hadn't realised was this ferry called in at Flotta before heading back to Houton.
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| Flotta |
And some of the sights seen during the journey
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| A buoy marker where HMS Vanguard lies (or what's left of it as it blew up) |
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| Not the best of weather! |
Leaving Houton it was a drive up North again to Birsay. This was where when the tide receded you could cross to the Island. It was also a hot spot for those Cowrie Shells I so want to find, and I persuaded Ian to go back as we had a day in hand before leaving Orkney.
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And wildlife
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| Sea Urchins |
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