Day 7

[fbhjr]

Sailing up to Fair Island I could at least see it as we approached.




It was fairly early we had the zodiacs going to shore. We were in the second group. My wife was still worn out from the day at Orkney, so opted to sleep in. But, I still got on the boat and went ashore.





Who knows if because of the piracy incident or not, but Alin was on shore duty this time. The goal was to walk to the community center, only 2 or so miles up hill. It was very pretty there. We talked about geology and botany. I guess some of the flowers are a fairly rare northern orchid.






















As far as I can tell, these sheep kicked down the gate to their fence and walked through. All I know for sure is the gate was on the ground and the sheep were walking out.


We kept our distance from the clearly dangerous sheep.


There is a plane crash from the wars there. We all pretended we could see it on the side of the hill.




The sheep were all “what are you looking at!?!?!”


And, began to charge.


We took shelter in the community center where they served us tea and cookies. The local girl “scout troupe” was selling tea towels, post cards and bags. I bought some.
(I only put it in quotes as the troupe is two sisters, who are apparently the only students in the local school as well. I guess there is a child in daycare now that everyone hopes will soon join the school population.)


A woman was spinning wool as we snacked. No explanation or anything. Just a woman spinning wools.


I was told there was a museum “nearby”. I love museums and wanted to go. But, it had gotten quite foggy out and I had conflicting information from the scouts, each of whom had given me totally different directions. “They’re both right”, their father told me.
I was assured it was a 5 minute walk, so off into the fog I went.
(I should also point out my camera sees through the fog better than I do. So, it was much more foggy than these photos make it seem.)




After I went 10 minutes and saw only field and fog a group of three late teen/early 20’s folks appeared out of the fog.
The young woman in the group assured me I was on the right path and it was only “5 minutes away”.
She was also adamant “Stay on the road! Whatever you do, stay on the road! The fog looks eerie, but it’s OK if you STAY ON THE ROAD!”
“5 minutes?” I asked.
“5 minutes for me,” she said. “Maybe 10 for you.”
I continued on.


After about 10 minutes I saw a church, which was a land mark on one of the two scouts version of the route.



I was about to give up, when three folks from the ship caught up with me.
I wasn’t sure the ship would wait if I was the only one missing. But, they’d probably wait for 4. So, we continued into the fog.


And, found a sign! It required us turning off the road.



Of course, the building that road takes you to is NOT the museum, it is another church.


The museum is in a field behind the church.


The museum is not big, but has a lot of stuff in it. The man who runs it is very nice.












The getting back to the community center and from there the ship.



I did get to the community center by going off the road and cutting my time in half going past some sheep and the solar collector.
And, I cheated from there and took a ride back to the ship from there with an old man, his dog and his 3 week old hip replacement.
I gave the driver some cash when we got to the dock.
“Oh no,” he said. “You’re cruise line pays me.”
“I know,” I said, handing him the money. “But, I’m VERY grateful for your service.”
“Thank you!” He said, and drove off before I could change my mind.


The Flying Dutchman was in port. It had been in Orkney too. I guess it’s following us around.



There were issues getting back to the ship as the wind had picked up a lot. More than a meter waves were hitting the ship and it’s hard getting out of zodiacs in that case. So, we waited while they repositioned and put the dock on the other side of the ship. Then, and exciting ride back with no photos as I was too afraid of dumping my camera overboard.
The driver was Michael from Antarctica and I knew he’d get us there.










My wife and I had a nice lunch when I returned.


Because of the waves, they cancelled the afternoon trips, so we did laundry. And sailed around the island.









When I looked up the walk I took on Google, I saw the 5 in the time number, but it was in the 10’s column.


But, there was still walking around the ship as the laundry is on deck 4 and our room on 7.


The historian gave a talk on the Vikings as we’re setting off to Norway.



We had afternoon tea, which I love, while running back to get laundry in the middle.




And, the talk on the next day’s plans.


At some point I needed to work on these photos.


But, we were also invited to a reception for folks who had gone on other cruises with them.



Finally, dinner at the restaurant.


My phone says it was only 7 miles/11km walking, but it seemed like more. Maybe it was the fog.

Comments

[palusbuteo]

Hooray!

The scenery is spectacular!

Glad your walking adventure wasn't as bad as Luxembourg

Also, I think you should write a "Field Guide to Benches" or "Benches Around the World" book :D

[zoefruitcake]

Do you watch the youtuber Steve Marsh? He travels to lots of places and I felt sure I recognised the museum sign from one of his trips but I can't find it. Maybe they just have lots of similar signs on small islands? A cottage industry, maybe?