dunurban

Yell!

Thick peat bog, combined with wind, equals no trees on Yell. Walking across country is fraught, with bog hidden under grassy or other plants. Yet Yell is breathtakingly beautiful. Ferries run from Toft to Yell, then you get the bus, which could be a car, van or actual bus, to the other end of Yell,Continue reading “Yell!”

I didn’t know it was wool week…

Wool week; Shetland’s biggest annual event. Folk from all over the world attending workshops, crafting together, buying local fibre and produce…. and sightseeing. Startled looks every time I had to admit I wasn’t there for the event; apparently I fit the profile. My host text ahead of time, offering to store my bag until check-in.Continue reading “I didn’t know it was wool week…”

Cullen skink, virgin money and fishermen’s kisses.

I’ve seen several buildings advertising virgin money; the mind boggles! A wee man got on the bus in a small village between Stromness to Kirkwall, in his once-dapper blue jacket and faded walking cane. Deafness wasn’t going to prevent a conversation. He was off to town because the village shop was a wee bit dear.Continue reading “Cullen skink, virgin money and fishermen’s kisses.”

Snippets

Laundry is available in Stromness… at 15 pound ($30) a wash! Fish and chips in Stromness 8 pound a piece of fish ($16) . Traditionally wrapped in newsprint, but what’s this? Inside is a perfectly good recyclable box… maybe the newsprint tradition is too strong? Bus drivers… stopping at a terminal to have a quickContinue reading “Snippets”

Time-warped in Orkney!

The first clue was the sight of the grand old Stromness Hotel where I was booked. It sits fair on the harbour, centre stage, unchanged since it was built in cobbled-street days. No modern ramps or disability services here. Steps up to the front door, then just inside the lobby, wonders of wonders, an oldContinue reading “Time-warped in Orkney!”

Questions; so many questions

Inverness to Thurso and on to Stromness left so many questions! As the train travels north, the scenery transforms from rich farmland to the endless pink heather of hard ground. Writers and poets have used words like ‘bleak’ to describe the miles of flowering groundcover, but I saw vast areas of natural beauty. But then,Continue reading “Questions; so many questions”

Fairies, monsters and illusions

In about 525ad, a group of weary Irish monks, traveling across Scotland, came across Loch Ness. When one went to rejuvenate his legs in the loch, Nessie turned up. The head monk wasn’t having any nonsense, engaging Nessie in a lengthy conversation. The upshot was a promise from the monster that she would never harmContinue reading “Fairies, monsters and illusions”

Great-aunts and blessings.

Peebles. A town long-associated in my mind with treasured relatives and all that is good. Great-aunt Anne would write to me from here; long letters about her childhood in New Zealand, and the family history as she knew it. Photocopies of book pages, with her notes added alongside, newspaper cuttings, and photos. Peebles was alsoContinue reading “Great-aunts and blessings.”

Adventurers; bravery isn’t just for backpackers.

Eight years ago a lovely lass from England came to stay with us on the farm. She was, and is, one of those special folk who have a gift of fitting right in with a warmth that can’t be manufactured. Dearest Emily was exploring New Zealand on her own, and having fun along the way.Continue reading “Adventurers; bravery isn’t just for backpackers.”

Dreams do come true

Ever since I can remember, the Royal Yacht Brittania has been a dream of mine; just to stand on her decks for a moment would suffice. I had no desire to be a Princess, or sail the world in her (where would I fit my pony), but just be there, for a moment. The problemContinue reading “Dreams do come true”