The Papay Archive

Today was the day for a trip to Papay (Papa Westray). There is a new ferry which makes short work of the crossing from Westray. I'd suggested a trip today so that J and I could enjoy the Community Coffee Morning. Unfortunately it wasn't on today because there is an island funeral tomorrow and all the baking is required for that. Instead we bought provisions at the community shop and made a cup of tea in the community hostel kitchen. We set off for a walk. 

The Papay Archive is housed in the Kelp Store. The blip is a file for each house on the island with a list of occupants as far back as records stretch. What a fantastic resource. 

The extra is the beach at South Wick where J swam and where we spotted seals, a possible otter and eider ducks. 

We walked over the fields to the Knap of Howar which is  a breathtaking place. Ancient and freely open to all. 

We've done 25K steps already and still have a walk to go when we're back to Westray. Then it's fish and chips tonight. A very good day.