The big 70

is finally here.
No need to rush to get up today so read two chapters of my book before breakfast with strawberries and the cards and presents that had been brought with us. As you can see we also brought the balloons that Jude told me were a secret when she showed me them last Saturday in the Lakes.
We’ve had them in the back of the car pinned down with coats and we’ve had several ‘Del Boy’ moments as they’ve popped up mid journey. They’re a bit wrinkled now but aren’t we all!
I’ve had lovely videos from the girls singing happy birthday, three in all, Jude finally stopped trying to get the words and just twirled!

We’ve had a fine day after a biblical downpour at about 5.00 yesterday. The island of Bressay we can see from our window completely disappeared.
We haven’t left Lerwick today. Followed a Lerwick Explorer walk I downloaded from ‘Walk the Highlands’ - an invaluable source.
Through the 17th century part of town and then up to The Knab.  (Yes we did see Jimmy Perez’ house but I’ll come back to that later)
Chatted to people off a boat just in from Dundee who were heading to Faroe next, I’m jealous! Fulmars on the cliffs and a seal out at sea. We did the optional add on to Clickimin Broch. Partly rebuilt but intersting. Surrounded by wild flowers, lots here and on Orkney and a field with Shetland ponies that I forgot to mention are everywhere. 

Back through the streets of Lerwick. Over the hill from the harbour are some wonderful large stone houses amongst the civic buildings, churches etc. we finished the walk at Fort Charlotte built in the 1700’s and positioned just above the harbour.

Being a Sunday we had difficulty booking somewhere to eat so we opted for a late lunch/brunch at the Fjara coffee shop overlooking the sound. Like the place we ate last night it was recommended. Not disappointed with the view or food. Like nearly every other meal we’ve had I had fish. Hake last night and Monkfish scampi today. Huge breaded pieces, really meaty and tasty.

We walked there and back and then a walk around the harbour so we’ve now done over 22,000 steps today!

Back in the apartment we’ve found an episode of Shetland to watch whilst having a glass of red. Cake and strawberries to come, what a great birthday!
(By the way it is the middle day of the year!)

The window you can see looks over the harbour, the bedroom window looks over the street at the other end of the building The kitchen bathroom and second bedroom are in between, it’s a long walk!