Sanday Sunset

Could the days get any better? Yes is the answer. The weather was absolutely stunning, sunshine from dawn to sunset. A gentle breeze and nicely warm.

What made the day extra special was the Orkney Nature Festival events held at the Kirk, not just because of the subjects but also because of the warm welcome we had from people who led the event and those who attended - and more incredible coincidences.

First the events; in the morning we were treated to a talk about Sanday’s wild flowers followed by a Sanderling Walk led by a former head of the school where we strolled along the wonderful Whitemill Bay (extra) and up into the dunes to watch sanderlings, turnstones, red knot and godwits feasting on a banquet of food in great piles of seaweed. Seals were even seen.

After lunch we called in at 59 North, a cafe and woodfired pizza place near where we are staying for a coffee and ice cream and to order a pizza for tonight.

Then we walked along this amazing coastline for 5 miles or so arriving back in time to collect and eat the pizza before going for the evening’s events.

First up was an interesting talk and images on otters followed by an equally interesting presentation about the private life of the sanderlings - a tiny wader that can live more than 10 years migrating annually between Greenland and various parts of Europe.

The evening was concluded with cake and refreshments and lots of chat with locals, visitors and those who had made their home on Sanday. Foremost was Rod (the sanderling expert) and his wife Sylvia who came from Kent, he from Lenham, she from Harrietsham both places only a few miles from us.

Not only that, they had been regulars at the Chequers Pub in Doddington where we go for various musical events. Even stranger they knew of the Ramsey Cowan who I’ve written about before as coming from the same place in Glasgow as Susan and knowing Susan’s sister Barbara and her best friend. Frighteningly weird.

We’ve had an invite to call in to see Rod tomorrow if we can find the time. Knowing Elaine in Stromness, meeting with Iain@Creel and CMC in Orphir and now this bunch of people on Sanday gave added such a special dimension to our trip.

And then, as we returned to the Airbnb we were treated to this marvellous sunset.

Tomorrow, as well as being Susan’s birthday begins with a wildflower walk led by Alex who lives on North Ronaldsay. Should be another good day.