Dear Friends,
Just north of Scotland is a group of islands called the Orkney Islands. Scotland's Orkney Archipelago includes more than 90 islands and crags, but only 20 of them have permanent communities. It takes a hearty soul to brave life in the far-flung North Atlantic region, but steadfast islanders claim they would live nowhere else. The islands got their modern name when early sailors mistook the smaller cliffs for whales, but evidence of colonization dates from prehistoric times. Stone villages (some of them extremely well preserved) date from around 4500BC. Later (Iron and Bronze Age) relics have also been found, along with Scotland's enigmatic stone brochs.
Kirkwall, first established by Norse invaders on the island referred to as "Mainland", has been the capital of the Orknery Islands for at least 900 years. Formerly known as Kirkjuvagr (Church Bay), it was named after a church built approximately 1040 to honor the memory of King Olaf Harraldsson, who later became the patron saint of Norway. Currently, stately St. Magnus Cathedral dominates the town. The Old Norse streets of Kirkwall are very narrow, to protect the buildings from gale-like winds. But don't get the idea that they're pedestrian walkways. That myth is dispelled when a car comes roaring down the street. This bustling market town with its paved main street, and outstanding attractions is one of Scotland's most engaging districts. The magnificent St. Magnus Cathedral takes pride of place in the town center, while the nearby Earl's and Bishop's Palaces are definitely worth the venture. So whether you're in the mood for a simple sroll through town or an adventurous history lesson, Kirkwall is able to please all of its visitors and will leave you with a gratifying experience of Scotland.
Today we took a tour called Leisurely North Coastal Drive.
It was really a beautiful drive thru the countryside and we did see some very interesting sights. First we passed by the waters of Scapa Flow - the scene of the momentous happenings during World War I. This is a huge bay where, at the end of the First World War, the German High Seas fleet was interned, pending Armistice negotiations. More than 70 German battleships, cruisers and destroyers were deliberately scuttled rather than allowed to fall into British hands, turning Scapa Flow into an area of immense interest.
We first stopped at the Stones of Stenness, thought to be a ceremonial burial site or a lunar observatory. I have included a photo of a seal out on a rock that was nearby these Stones.
Next we stopped at a small country hotel in the northern part of Orkney where we had morning tea and scones. After that, on to the Brough of Birsay. This is an old Viking settlement whose structures date from the 9th to the 13th centuries. In the photos you will see that the Brough where the lighthouse and the structures are was at the time we were there separated from the mainland because the tide was up and the "causeway" was under water. Dick did walk down to the beach and onto the rocks but could not go out onto the little island.
We then drove out to a point overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. It was called Yesnaby. You will notice the spectacular high cliffs there. The wind was blowing off the land so the waves were not as high as they would have been had the wind been blowing in from the sea. Nevertheless, it was an amazing sight.
We then passed by mysterious Ring of Brodgar, a perfect stone circle which retains 27 of its original 60 stones, erected with mathematical precision some 5,000 years ago.
On the way back to the ship, we were given a quick drive thru the city of Kirkwall. This was not on the original tour description but the guide decided we had time. That was nice so we at least got to see what it looks like. We were docked about a 15 minute bus ride from town so would not have time to go back there.
We thought the countryside was really pretty here.
Enjoy!
Jan and Dick
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