Fair Isle

When I woke in the early morning I could feel that we were being rocked by waves and that the sea was a little rougher than it had been the previous evening. No land could be seen in any direction. After a delicious buffet breakfast we went out on the forward deck with our binoculars and two of the expedition leaders and saw lots of gannets and some Manx sheerwaters. Our destination for the day came into view, Fair Isle, situated between Orkney and Shetland and with a population of only forty-six people and thousands of nesting sea birds. The cliffs of vertical beds of sandstone were spectacular. We went ashore on a Zodiac tender then walked to the south of the island where we were treated to hot drinks and home baking in the community hall. Visiting ships are welcomed as they bring an additional source of income. Back on board we enjoyed dinner and a relaxing time watching the Orkney Islands pass us by in the beautiful evening sunshine.