058:57.868 N
003:17.632 W

Stromness V

Rain on and off all morning so late morning Harry headed off to the RSPB Brodgar Nature Reserve with his camera, Bol and I headed off on the coastal walk towards Hoy Sound.

Passing Stromness Sailing Club we watched toppers and lasers out racing in a sheltered area away from the main tide, it looked idyllic. Once at the Hoy Sound we could see wind against tide with impressive standing waves, it was slow work for a fishing boat and a yacht trying to get in. Gun emplacements were dotted along the coastline from both World Wars, and the track was bordered by beautifully crafted dry stone walls, all fields appear to have these instead of fences which makes a very attractive sight.

It was now really warm so a quick dip in the sea was absolutely gorgeous, the rocks had been warmed by the hot sun so the rising water was very acceptably warm, refreshing a bit deeper in but really lovely, and great fun to be swimming at this our most northern spot. Back along the path we passed palm trees so felt perhaps it wasn’t quite so extraordinary to have had a swim!

We returned via The Royal Hotel where we’d seen advertised an informal session of folk and blues music being played so slipped in for an hour or so, very relaxing and thoroughly enjoyable.

Quite a lot of passage planning this morning during the heavy rain. We have a 3 day plan now but daren’t put it in writing for fear of tempting fate, other than saying all being well, today should be our last day in Stromness.  It has been a very lovely visit to this town with its friendly folks and a little bit of everything; it’s a very busy port which always makes it interesting with something constantly happening.