A Wet Monday

And with a wave they were off with their bikes to Hoy. The plan was to cycle to Rackwick and scale a hill, but in the event with the rain imminent they missed out the hill and instead after Rackwick had a lovely lunch at the café near the pier at Moaness.

Mean while back at the ranch I spent a lovely Morning in the library, firstly with Selkie Grace and little Lena downstairs  and then with Noel Fitzpatrick and his book upstairs. I love that library with a view.

Because the cyclists returned to Stromness earlier than expected we all went in the van  down to the Barrier's café and an afternoon cuppa with Celina Rupp and her jewellery. The rain which had threatened most of the day returned at that point with intent and the journey back through Orphir was pretty miserable. Even the cows were huddled together looking wet and depressed. 
We had a short detour so that Alasdair and Susan could meet IainatCreel and CMC,  the Blippers and local worthies who have been so kind to me over the years. Iain whispered in my ear as we were welcomed into the house , ‘The next time you drive through Orphir, keep going’! He is never lost for words and never fails to make me laugh.

I am home now and the young ones are coming in a little while to have some dinner which they have provided. We might have had dinner in plein air at the camp site but it’s not the weather. It’s a pity their last night is so wet but they are true stalwarts and used to such weather.