Sunday 16 June 2013

The Orkney Islands

Yesterday we went to the Orkney Islands. We stopped at John O' Groats before driving onto the ferry at a nearby town. The crossing took an hour. There are 70 islands in the group but many are uninhabited. We travelled across several islands, driving on the Churchill Barriers between islands. These barriers were built during the war to stop Uboats coming in to the islands as the British navy was anchored here. Scarpa Flow is where many Ww1 and WW2 ships were sunk.

We saw the Bradgan stone circles and then we went to Skara Brae the Neolithic settlement that was only discovered 150 years ago. It is about 5000 years old.

The scenery on the islands is stunning. A most beautiful spot.

We then went to the church that the Italian POWs had built during WW2. They converted 2 Nissan huts into a beautiful chapel. Amazing.

We drove back to the ferry stopping at the cathedral of St Magnus in Kirkwell. The Orkneys had a strong Norse influence as theft were settled by the Vikings.

Back on the ferry and home to our 'quaint' hotel. Off to Skye next.

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3 comments:

  1. Unknown17 June 2013 at 04:30

    Looks amazing. So glad you are having a ball.

    News from home-

    Melbourne had now lost their coach and president. It's not too late to jump ship and follow the mighty tiges....
    Also, Denis Walsh had a stroke, but he is ok. He had it while driving so he also had a car accident- just like Denis to make it complicated!!!! Anyway, according to Marilyn Gosbell, he is doing well.
    Tiges won against the crows and are now back in the 8. Callum and Rory went to the game and came home very happy.
    Ella has given gymnastics the flick. She tells me it's boring. Quite happy to have Friday night back.
    Also, Lena is having her 40tj on Sept 7th....can you babysit???!!!! Hehe.....
    Speak soon and keep living and loving your adventure.
    Xxxxxxxxx

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  2. Unknown17 June 2013 at 23:02

    Glad the WiFi is back on. Don't feel you have to post every day, take some time to relax & enjoy. GG - I drove your dear little car for the first week you were away & will drive it again this week: sort of turn & turn about. To quote a famous line "It's a wee little ripper!"

    ReplyDelete
  3. Claudia Templeton20 June 2013 at 02:42

    Wonderful pics and posts!

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