We are alongside in SUNNY Kirkwall, Orkney. We had a pretty smooth, gently rocking motion sailing here from Lerwick, much better than it could have been, and only a couple of crew felt queasy – no meals missed!
We slid into our berth just before lunchtime yesterday, and that gave us a free afternoon to explore, bend sails on, and whatever. I joined the 18 others on a private wheelchair-friendly mini bus trip. Apart from being beaten to the brewery trips by cruise line passengers, we had a great afternoon. The Italian Prisoner of war chapel was stunning and as it was pretty chilly yesterday in mid summer, we were amazed that they worked year round on it. Will ask one of the others to fill you in on details, but it was a ggod trip.
We were late back for supper, but Cookie Dave and assistant Jilly were waiting with a delicious fish supper for those eating onboard. Several groups ate ashore, and I joined Fred, Dave, Marco, Jilly and Joyce in the Kirkwall Hotel for a very tasty meal. Crab and avocado blinis, seafood salad and a totally indulgent peanut sundae hit the spot!
Harbour watches were uneventful, and everyone was refreshed for the voyage photo at 0900, although we are all squinting into the sun! No complaints though!
Assisted climbs and wheelchairs aloft followed, and Hazel was grinning broadly as she swung in the sunshine from the main mast! We all applauded the success of those determined to get aloft – well done all!
The bing bong call to lunch on deck has just been made, and we sail at 14.00 to motor towards an anchorage off Wick – hopefully we shall then have favourable wind to sail on to Aberdeen tomorrow.
Watch this space !
Jane