We visited the Grain Earth House in Kirkwall, which turned out to be a mini adventure. First we had to collect the keys and find the place – not too difficult, even though it's surrounded by an industrial estate. Then we had to open the gate and door, which wasn't easy. Then we had to … Continue reading Very old and quite new
Author: patsy
Yesnaby – and the ‘castle.’
We arrived at Yesnaby in the evening. The light was good, so we set out on a walk without even stopping for a cup of tea! (We're getting plenty of sunshine and good photographic light, but the weather is very changeable, so we grab every opportunity we get.) Yesnaby has a sea stack which, with … Continue reading Yesnaby – and the ‘castle.’
Wednesday word of the week – Orcadian
An Orcadian is a native or inhabitant of the Orkney Islands. This beautiful place is where Gary and I will be living (in the mobile writing retreat aka photographic base aka campervan) which I hope qualifies us as temporary Orcadians. While we're here, we plan to see many of the sights, eat the local food, … Continue reading Wednesday word of the week – Orcadian
It’s a sign
While on South Ronaldsay I picked up a piece of sea glass, which I thought looked very like a standing stone. Obviously that was a clear sign that the Ring of Brodgar needed to be one of our next stops after photographing some ships of course. (If you'd like to see the ship photos, follow … Continue reading It’s a sign
A bridge to nowhere
OK, it's not a bridge and it does go somewhere, but don't you think it looks as though crossing over might take us into a different world, time or dimension? There must be a story there! It's actually one of the 'Churchill Barriers' built during WW2 by Italian prisoners, both to link some of the … Continue reading A bridge to nowhere
On Orkney
We intend to see as much of Orkney as possible during our trip. One of our first stops was St Mary's Hope on the island of South Ronaldsay (reached by a causeway). We photographed a ferry, than had lunch watching ducklings bobbing about in the bay. I think they're eider ducks. After that, we headed … Continue reading On Orkney
On the ferry
We had a really smooth crossing on the Hamnavoe from Scrabster to Stromness. What with almost surreal calm, minky whales gently rising into view, and tantalising mist, we couldn't help believing this trip will be worth the five year wait.
Nearly there
Pictures taken on the route up to Scrabster, where we'll catch the ferry. And yes, this is still writing related as in addition to writing on route I'm also scouting out a location for a future book in my cosy mystery series. And yes, I'll be using those two excuses a lot over the summer.
On the way
Here are some photos taken, at RHS Harlow Carr, on our way up north. And here are some taken at the nearby Brimham Rocks, (and not Birnham stones or Brinkham Rocks, as we've been calling it!) If words are more your thing than pictures, you might like this book of mine, which is currently on … Continue reading On the way
Wednesday word of the week – Rollick
Rollick means to behave in a carefree, boisterous manner or to have a frolicksome adventure. I often have a rollicking good time on our campervan adventures (I'll spare you the details of any frolicking which may occur)