Day 109 - Orkney

Helen dropped us off at the Ness of Brodgar - a live archaeological dig of a large site that was discovered only a few years ago.

Because of the risk of weather erosion to the dig and the availability of student archaeologists to help with the back-breaking excavation, the site is only open for 7 weeks before it gets covered again until next Summer.


There are valuable finds being made almost every day. You could sense the enthusiasm and excitement in the air at the gradual and careful unearthing of crucial finds.

We walked via the Stones of Steness

 to catch the bus to Kirkwall.
The ferry port has connections to some of the other Northern Orcadian islands - Eday, Westray and Sanday from which there are further ferries to others.
St.Magnus' cathedral dates from the 1100s. 

In the evening we visited the Ring of Brodgar - 5000 years old. The stones on Orkney provoke all sorts of questions about who, how and why.

After supper we sat out in the garden til 1130

watching the lights over the harbour.
Wonderful !

I've decided that this might be the most suitable point to end the blog. A high point - the journey has been wonderful in all ways, I've experienced the beauty of our country and met some wonderful people - hopeful, amusing, interesting, engaged, charming, talented, beautiful people and with many of whom I'd very much hope to remain in contact.

As with the finest of things, they leave you wanting more.

Now, the challenge is to decide when and where the next walk will take me...

That's all folks!

Comments

  1. Barrie30 July 2022 at 01:57

    Very suitable ending' Take only memories, leave only footprints ' as Chief Seattle of first nation said . And in a place where humans impact has blended with the natural environment for aoens.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous2 August 2022 at 08:54

      Thanks Barroe. Very appropriate. Aren't the excavations amazing?!

      Delete
  2. Anonymous30 July 2022 at 05:21

    An excellent way to end a most memorable journey. You’ve whetted my appetite for visiting Orkney.
    Neil

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous2 August 2022 at 08:53

      The last time I was there, the weather was very different but either way, you'd love it Neil.

      Delete
  3. Anonymous2 August 2022 at 07:47

    Brilliant - I'll miss your travels.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous2 August 2022 at 08:53

      Me too! Maybe time to plan the next one...!

      Delete
  4. Anonymous3 August 2022 at 15:49

    I have loved your blog. When you do your next adventure, wherever in the world, and do a blog I’d love to have the link. Well done David and here’s to plenty of adventures n the future. Sue (Trefriw)

    ReplyDelete
  5. Anonymous20 August 2022 at 07:37

    Dear David, I loved reading your blog ... MASSIVE congratulations, many talk of doing things but not many actually do them ... you're a star. They say that finishing can be harder than starting. I start on my Camino de Santiago on 3 September with two hockey friends; maybe this is one for you and Sally ... I'll send you the link to our blog. With all very best wishes to you and Sally, Barry (Corbett)

    ReplyDelete

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