Dunnet Head from Dunnet Bay

Finally arrived at our Airbnb place in Stromness this afternoon. Good crossing from Gills Bay to St Margaret’s Hope and onwards through Kirkwall to Stromness.

The Pentland Firth is a turbulent stretch of water even for a powerful catamaran as it was dragged and shifted by powerful currents as it powered northward. It was mesmerising just watching the movement of water, sometimes flats, sometimes eddies, sometimes disturbed white horses. We kept a sharp lookout for cetaceans but were not rewarded for our diligence.

A deceptive Airbnb. Nothing to look at from the outside but very spacious and well equipped inside. Three bedrooms, two bathrooms, good kitchen and two fridge freezers. TV in every room.

A most enjoyable evening with Barbara’s friend Elaine. They’ve known each other from school days and Elaine has lived on Orkney for decade running a knit ware are craft shop in Stromness. She has all the local knowledge and is invaluable in helping us to appreciate the Orkneys to the full.

We had an excellent breakfast at the hotel and a lovely walk around the remnants of the flagstone industry at Castletown and along Dunnet Bay before setting off for Gills Bay.

There were brief glimpses of the sun and periods of gloom. Who knows what the next 10 days will bring.