Looking across Eynhallow Sound, Orkney

A damp morning, turned into a beautiful afternoon, and we headed to the Broch of Gurness. An impressive Iron Age settlement beside the sea, the remains of a small village surrounding a central broch. We also enjoyed a wander along the Sands of Evie.

Then to meet up with old friends who live near Evie. So interesting to hear about island life, to clear up a few pronunciation questions we had, to hear tales passed on by parents and grandparents.

This is the view from the beach near their home. Eynhallow in the foreground, Rousay beyond and in the far distance, Westray. In the winter storms, the waves can crash higher than the cliffs. I was taken with the deep green and white lichen on the rocks, and we found deep pink seaweed. We walked up to the nearest Geo, and didn't see a Fulmar on its nest, all a bit scary as it "spat" out. We hunted for Groattie Buckies, but didn't find any. Seemingly we must find at least one before leaving. Better go shell hunting tomorrow then.

A quote from George MacKay Brown which I read today :-
"In all the essential things - food getting (fish, fowl, bread) and shelter - modern Orcadians are not so very different from the Islanders of 2000 ago. Only the techniques have changed."