The view from Creel Cottage

Up in time to see another spectacular sunrise over Papay (extra). No hanging about over tea this morning though as we needed to be on the road in time for the morning boat from Rapness to Kirkwall. Another beautifully smooth sail past the isles to the Orkney Mainland.

Not stopping in Kirkwall we drove directly to Creel Cottage where famous blipper Iain at Creel and Mrs Creel gave us a warm welcome. Coffee, a walk and then lunch over much chat - a sociable few hours for which we were so grateful. Thank you both!

My blip is from the garden of Creel Cottage looking towards Hoy. As Iain at Creel said Scapa Flow lacks light on the water today and, while I agree with him, I couldn't pass up the chance of a blip from this auspicious spot.

On leaving the Creels we headed towards the ferry stopping at St Mary's village for a walk by the loch and through the trees. And now we are in the queue for the 5pm sailing back to Scotland. We will stay in the same B&B where we were on the way north. We won't need much in the way of an evening meal after lunch at Creel Cottage.

As ever I feel a bit mournful about leaving Orkney but so very glad we managed our time here. I've got lots of happy memories to keep me going till the next time