Orkney in a Heatwave

I may have stumbled inadvertently into the Costa del Sol. Periodically I have to pinch myself to remember this is Orkney in a heatwave. The Street in Stromness has been buzzing with tourists and Island Games competitors in summer wear  which normally doesn’t see the light of day here. For the men it is definitely a ‘Taps Aff’ day and for women the least worn the better.

I had a mission to complete today for Daughter#1 which involved a trip to Kirkwall  to source the materials for mending old Orkney chairs brought into Georgian Antiques. It’s possible to buy easily the sea grass used in the seats but I can’t see them getting oat straw from farmers to repair the backs of the chairs , but you never know.

I don’t remember ever feeling quite so hot as I did by the time I arrived back at base, so it was a delight to go for a swim in a high tide at 2pm. Since then I’ve been sitting listening to my playlist in the garden under a cloudless sky and looking out on a shimmering and calm sea. I may have strayed down the street at one point for a raspberry and blueberry ice cream, but that would be telling!
I can’t think of anywhere I’d rather be than here in Orkney ,especially when the weather is kind.

Much of the fish landed in Stromness, scallops, oysters and langoustines are shipped abroad and this lorry in the blip is waiting to load.