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The MV Pentalina Ferry arriving at St Margaret's Hope on South Ronaldsay, preparing to dock. Felt quite sad saying goodbye to the Orkney islands, we've had a great holiday here. We stopped at the first Churchill Barrier on the way south, as the Italian Chapel was besieged with the latest cruise ship visitors.

A smooth crossing to Gill's Bay, and only a few miles down the road to Wick, we find the road closed by Police. A massive wide load moving slowly, a piece of oil pipe line equipment. There then followed three low loaders with blades for a wind turbine. Held up more than half an hour. Great weather driving south, enjoying the views of the North East coastline. A long journey, stopped in Aviemore and Pitlochry to visit friends and made it home late evening.

Orkney - we will be back, to explore more of the islands in the future. We loved the blues and greens of the sea, land and sky, all the history, the wildlife, the coastline, the creativity. I'll add a list in a day or two, so I can remember particular things.

Long straight roads which run for miles.
Oyster Catchers on fence posts.
Peerie and Peedie.
Main streets the width of one car.
Ferries.
Cruise Liners.
Homebaking for sale in the middle of nowhere.
Cliffs and circling seabirds.
Sea Pinks.
Churchill Barriers.
World War battery remains.
Interesting new uses of Nissen Huts.
Finding a rusting WW2 German Ambulance.
Neolithic.
Standing Stones.
All shades of greens and blues.
"Otters Crossing" road signs.
Cemeteries beside the sea, peaceful resting places.
George Mackay Brown quotations.
Good information boards about locations.
Free car parks at most places of interest.
Hardy any litter.
Pure air.
The peace and quiet.