Sightseeing with the Kids

They waved, he waved, I waved. We all waved together as the Hamnavoe slid effortlessly into Stromness this morning. I had told Alasdair and Susan to look out for Selkies  on their 10am swim as the ferry rounded the Ness and yes they saw them and waved. I had dipped earlier at  8:30am when I’m sure the wind was not as strong as it was later and we had a bouncy swim with spray giving us a dermalogical face peel which you might buy at a price in a beauty salon.

My family were first off the boat and after they parked the van we went for coffee to Julia’s to discuss our plans for the day. I showed them my flat so that they knew where I was living and then we did an intensive tour of the West Mainland in the van. They had visited Orkney about 10 years ago with the twins and were quite familiar with the lie of the land. With me the aged parent allowed to sit in pole position in the front we drove to Skail, Birsay, Evie, Tingwall, Harray, Dounby, and over to Yesnabay stopping at intervals to admire the scenery. Photos were taken but with the wind at gale force level I was happy to sit and watch the fury of the waves while the young ones struggled with van doors in order to sample the fury of the wind. I’m so glad the sun was out, it was warm and the countryside looked amazing.

The youngsters have their bikes with them so that if the wind drops a bit there are plans to cycle in Rousay and Hoy in the next 2 days. Meanwhile I am back home writing this blog and they are settling into the Ness Camp site before we have a celebratory meal in the Ferry Inn later. 

I hope they have enjoyed their day so far even if for them it was mostly sedentary. I certainly have enjoyed seeing the bits of the island I have not seen for a while and it’s so lovely to have some of the family with me for a few days.