On the way to Hoy

Backblip
We had to be up and out really early to catch the Ferry across to Hoy. Good timing as it meant we caught this super sunrise on the way.Just enough time to stop and take a few photos.
The roads were clear and we made it in plenty of time :) After all the wind of the last few days we were relieved that it had died down and we had a very calm, flat crossing. Geese,Gannets,Eider ducks and a few seals spotted on the way.We stopped at Flotta first, a few cars and foot passengers got off and a very nervous driver reversed down the slipway to get onto the Ferry, it took ages and nail biting stuff but all was ok in the end.
We made our way to Lyness. We turned left and headed to the South of the island and to South Walls, a separate island now joined by a causeway. Some fantastic views and old buildings although it was difficult to stop as it’s a single track road and there were a few cars behind us.I managed a few snaps whilst moving and we pulled over when we could to let the cars go by.
We stopped at the Martello tower and battery.We were too early for it to be open but we wandered round , a fascinating building.
On to the Longhope lifeboat Museum. It was open and we were the only ones there so had a private tour by the knowledgeable curator. Princess Anne had been there last week and launched the old wooden 1932 Watson lifeboat the ‘Thomas McCunn’ the only slipway launched lifeboat in the Uk. It’s been beautiful restored, the curator was polishing the brass when we arrived . We stood on the slipway and walked on the boat. Rather unnerving to think of those who served on her knowing that it was not self righting. We found out about the Longhope lifeboat disaster, March 1969, where 8 lifeboat men, all locals, lost their life’s https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-north-east-orkney-shetland-47582287
The loss of this boat led to the development of self righting boats.
We said goodbye and then headed North. We spotted a lovely cafe called ‘ Emily’s Icecream Parlour and stopped for a drink and a waffle with bacon and maple syrup, yummy. The cafe was decorated in a 1940’s style playing 1940’s music. There was an area of local crafts and we bought a few bits and pieces :)
On to Rackwick Bay. Although cloudy it was dry and warm. Just a slither of sandy beach remained as the tide was in.We sat on the large stones that edge the beach and watched a kind of drone on the water bobbing about from a nearby boat , maybe researching tidal conditions , not sure.We were the only ones there but could see people walking up the path to the Old Man of Hoy, We were tempted but worried we would not make it back to the Ferry on time.
We looked at the old bothy .An interesting building with huge roof tiles as seen on some of the other buildings in Rackwick. Visitors had written on the ceiling, including a Viking ;)
The heather was in bloom, plenty of Bonxie’s overhead, possibly a distant Sea Eagle and lots of stonechats.
A walk to the Dwarfie Stane, a 5000 year old rock cut tomb thought to be the only one in the uk.http://www.orkneyjar.com/history/tombs/dwarfiestane/index.html
We had dinner in another cafe ‘ Beneth’ill’.Mince,tatties and peas ,very tasty.
A look at the Old Kirk with lots of interesting information and some artwork made by local children including some great fabric toadstools and eggbox Eagles.
A drive to the top of the hill near Lyness to Wee Fea.Lots of Old war time buildings where the Womens Royal Naval Service Personal were stationed including accommodation block and communication Centre. A quick look at the exhibition in the Hoy Museum and then onto the Ferry back to the Mill.
Well done if you managed to read all that, it was a packed day :)