Throw a stone from the Atlantic Ocean and make a splash in the North Sea.

Groan, woke with that familiar pain on the left side of my abdomen. I knew what it was, a Diverticular flare up! Fluids for me then for the rest of the day. I took a Panadol, that killed the pain and declined Ian's offer to stay on this site. No, we had stuff to do, and places to go and I would not be swayed. So it was late morning before we set off. No plans other than to see the West side of the Island.

 We had been told about the Cake Fridge at Bixter.   It was the first of its kind in Shetland, starting from humble beginnings of offering eggs and produce to passers by,  an honesty box was by the side. It still remains today and is restocked daily.

 

 

We went inside the cafe. Ian ordered a a cheese roll, I could have had parsnip and curry soup which I love but only clear liquids allowed. Mind you I did have a cup of tea! At the back of the menu was this.

 Then there were all the lovely homemade cakes to choose from. I chose a slice of plain Coffee cake, Ian a slice of Chocolate After Eight cake, and just as we were about to pay, from the kitchen came an Orange and Chocolate sponge cake. Well, with those other cakes purchased for tomorrow, Ian's eyes lit up. So a slice of that joined the other two.

Chatting to the lady behind the counter she told us that it was her and her sister (owner) that made all the cakes. We sat at a small table in a longish room which was actually the original bedroom, it was no bigger than a slightly larger single room in a modern house. The joining wall had been removed and the parlour would have been about the same size. We were amazed to learn that her gran and grandad, mum and dad, and the two sisters all lived in that house and shared the only bedroom. The building to the back was built at a later date.

 

 

So that were two things seen on Shetland that were 'Hidden Gems'. This one and the Out Post. If we hadn't been told about these from Norman's son, we would never have known. So for those who are thinking of visiting Shetland, please make the effort to visit. You wont be disappointed.

Driving along the narrow lanes with passing places, the landscape changed to one of lochs and peat bogs. There was quite a bit of peat cutting in evidence.

A large sign caught our attention.

 And a brown board with Mavis Grind written on it. We stopped for a look. Water was either side of  a small strip of land. The road ran right through the middle. It merited closer inspection especially as an information board was seen higher up. My goodness! Talk about knocking me down with a feather. Read below to see why.

Top, North Sea. Bottom, Atlantic Ocean

Panoramic View. Left, North Sea and Right, Atlantic Ocean.

Shetland so far has not disappointed (apart from the weather). It was getting late so we started toward Toft. Tomorrow we cross to Yell and then onto Unst but first we had to find somewhere to stop. A lovely hidden layby overlooking an inlet of the Atlantic Ocean was found. Its still blooming cold and I'm pill popping pain killers every four hours. Hopefully tomorrow the weather will warm up and I start to feel better.

And seen on route

And wildlife today

Red throated Diver