Not that we want to leave Shetland....but....

 July 3rd

Today we left for Toft on the mainland, drove to Ulsta ferry port in Yell and joined lane 6 for unbooked vehicles. In front was one car and a motorbike. 

The ferry was already in and waiting to load vehicles but the barrier was still across and no vehicles were allowed on for another 15 minutes. We watched as more cars arrived, then a bus and then a lorry. All were in the booked lanes. The hope of getting on was being reduced as more vehicles arrived. 10.45 am the barriers opened and the loading started. With hardly a space to be seen, how lucky when we were beckoned forward and slotted between the lorry and the side. 

 

Although there was room to get out, we both stayed in MB for the 15-minute journey to Toft.  Back on the mainland the rain started and stayed with us for the rest of the day. We wondered what to do and decided on the Eshaness lighthouse. Despite the rain, what a wild and fantastic place to be. The cagoules went on, woolly hats too because not only was it cold, but that wind was enough to blow one over the cliff edge! We walked for about a mile. Wanted to go much further to the blow holes but the incesent driving rain was getting beyond a joke.

So back to MB and straight onto the phone to Northlink Ferries. One decision was made while talking and walking, we wanted to get off Shetland and head to Orkney.

Thirty minutes of hanging on with that annoying message 'Your call is important and will be answered as soon as possible' before finally someone answered. Then the realisation that all ferries were booked and advised to keep our original booking for next Wednesday. It was mentioned that if we turn up at the ferry terminal on Friday at 4 pm, and if there was a cancellation, we may get lucky. Im not holding my breath!

So now we have no idea what to do for the next week. If the weather had been decent, plenty of walks and even sitting on the beach would be welcome. We have about done everything in Shetland that interests us apart from walking across St Ninian's Beach, a large natural sand causeway with sea on either side. Revisiting Sumburgh Head to see if the Puffins are feeding their young will probably keep us occupied for several hours too but other than that... Oh and we ruled out the Noss boat trip because of the weather!