The Italian Chapel

Backblip
A lazy morning although I was still up early.It gave me time to read some more of my book and wait for the sunrise which did not happen as it was a misty, grey start to the day.
Lots of curlew we’re in the bottom field , at least a 100 of them all busy jabbing their beaks into the muddy grass.
I was startled by a wheatear hitting the window.It had been chased by a bird of prey which I think was a Merlin, I’ve popped a photo in the extra, not a great photo as it was so quick.
The farmer has been in the field cutting the crops, they were busy for most of the night but had to stop as the stalks seemed to be wrapped round the blades of the Combine.
We went out about mid morning and saw a buzzard on one of the fences. It had a red tag on it’s wing.
After a visit to the Deerness Gin Company we made our way across the Churchill barriers to The Italian Chapel. We could not resist a visit as there were no coaches in the carpark.There is no a small entrance fee and CCTV up after three of the plaques were stolen a few years ago.
It’s an amazing building , full of interesting things to look and be amazed at https://www.orkney.com/listings/the-italian-chapel.
We’ve searched for the secret heart before but could not find it but luckily someone asked a Guide and she open the wrought iron gates and there it was hiding beneath where they joined.One of the Italian POW had fallen in love with a local girl called Barbara and when he returned to Italy he left his heart behind represented by a lovely metal heart.He carried on being a Blacksmith and every item he made he included a heart somewhere in his design.
Everything was made by items the prisoners could find.The font is made from a spring from a vehicle and cement left over from making the barriers to make the alter and surrounds.
It was still gloomy but we went for a walk at a nearby beach.
We had lunch of lobster salad at The Skerries bistro.Delicious as always.We had a good chat with Carole the owner who said that they might be reducing what they offer to just teas/coffees and cakes as , Hamish her husband had a heart attack last year and they need to reduce their workload.
The sun was now out and we went for a walk at Sandwick.Lots more curlews on the rocks and lots of gulls interested in something in the water.
The rusty old tractor was still there and the old Croft but a wind turbine was now there.This scene was one of my first blips , six years ago.
We finished the day with a drive down to Hoxa and Burray. The light was lovely and three horses came over to say hello.