Twin Six Battery, Hoxa Head, Orkney

A glorious blue sky start to the day. We attended the morning service at St Magnus Cathedral. More formal than we are used to, but meaningful worship. I enjoyed the anthems (inc. 12th Century "Hymn to St Magnus") and organ music, but particularly a beautiful piano solo just before a time of silence and reflection for the departed. Poignant for us, it would have been Hil's 50th Birthday today.

This afternoon, we headed south crossing the Churchill Barriers. So interesting to see these constructions. We hoped to visit the Italian Chapel, but a Mass was taking place, so we will return another day.

Onward to the Hoxa Tapestry Gallery on South Ronaldsay, recommended to us by Noni. What beautiful work, I really liked the colours and textures. Inspired by the land, sea, wildlife and family. We bought a framed print of one of the works on display : "A Lifetime Together".

Just further on, we enjoyed a walk around Hoxa Head, which guards the entrance to Scapa Flow. Great views from the cliff paths. So many buildings left from the war, gun batteries, accommodation and mess blocks. This shot shows a multi storey command post with the gun position below. The Twin Six was very smokey when in action, so it was directed from the top storey with search lights on the first floor. Several good information boards explaining the Balfour and Hoxa Batteries guarding Scapa Flow in both World Wars. A stop at the Sands of Wright on the way back, just one family there on this expanse of golden sand. Just beautiful, so peaceful.

We are noticing good facilities for visitors around the islands. Free car parks, good information boards, clean "facilities", and well marked paths. Birds added to our list today : Oyster Catcher and Great Black-Backed Gull.

And Wimbeldon, how exciting, hard fought Men's Final. Congratulations to Djokovic