Orkney day 13: In seek of shelter

Blowing an absolute hoolie and perishing- 8C on the clock with down to 1C in the ferocious wind! We put on every piece of clothing we had and venture out but were thwarted in our walk by rain and large cattle.  Instead we headed off to Corrigall Museum where we knew there would be a turf fire. Himself did some sketching (see his extras) and I wandered and admired. A beautiful place - a long house originally where the humans shared the building with the animals. It had been renovated to what it would have looked like in the early 19C and is the only domestic dwelling in Europe to still retain its original central hearth. Interestingly the cupboards and beds were still made out of stone and in some place had been wallpapered to make them look more modern! There were still plenty of stone cupboards for the geese and chooks inside though.

Slightly warmer we then went back to Kirkwall, had a long and lingering lunch, a long and lingering mooch around the museum and a long and lingering look around the cathedral. 
We then borrowed the key and went to examine a souterrain or earth house, now rather incongruously situated in the middle of an industrial estate. These date from the Iron Age and are underground chambers. No-ones really sure what they were for - storage, hiding from Vikings? Very dank, gloomy and damp whatever.

Inspired by all things Iron age we then tried to find Mine Howe. The mists were swirling and the site was boarded up but yes- intrepid, we clambered over the gate and went to explore. Mine Howe is an enigmatic structure - 29 tiny steps going almost vertically into the ground with chambers off. We were astonished to find it just open to the elements. There was a handy rope but even I was sensible enough not to venture too far in! See extra! Himself had enough excitement at this point and sought shelter in the car but I could see an enticing green pimple on the nearby hill top. Unfortunately a massive herd of cattle complete with large white bull and frisky young ones had spotted me. I wasn't sure about the fence situation - somewhere to return another day.

Supper at a very nice Italian restaurant, the back to the Reel for some jigs and reels.