The road to Gorn......

 

I took a ride along the track to the old croft of Gorn at the weekend as I wanted to see the wonderful view from the end.  It's worth the ride.  However make the most of these photos as I capsized the trike on the way back so I won't be off-roading again!  I'm ok-ish.  Badly bruised sternum and pulled muscles, but no apparent broken bones.  I'm pretty sore and stiff this week but it will pass with no lasting damage hopefully.  So.... enjoy these photos!

Above is Cott of School with the daffodils marking the old path to the house. And a couple of sheep that are grazing there.  The big brown one is a Zwarbtle cross.

Old buildings at Cott of school - well remains of them....

And now on the way to the croft of Gorn..... Small herd of Belted Galloways....

Veval.....

And here we are at Gorn..... looking over to Orphir on the Orkney Mainland

Looking over to Clett and across Clestrain Sound to Orphir

Scarratain....

Old buildings at Gorn

Heading back now. The old Kirk, and looking over to Moaness on Hoy.

Sheep may safely graze.....

And after that C-R-A-S-H..... followed by swearing...... and limping home.  Trike unharmed....

A trip to Birsay....

 

I headed out to Birsay on the West Coast of the Orkney Mainland.  One of my favourite places with lots of history.  Some info here 

I love watching the waves, and pottering on the beach.  It was a blustery day when I was there but quiet.  In the Summer it is so busy it's hard to get parked up.

Looking along the coast

The wind was catching the waves......

Marwick Head and the Kitchener Memorial

Sea Spray!

Fulmars nesting along the edge of the "Brough" ......

And Introducing..... Freda (short for Freedom).  Part of my retirement plan was to go adventuring in a wee Campervan. Covid has rather scuppered those plans, but I have finally managed to get my wee van.  She's old! A Toyota Hiace Regius.  But more recently professionally converted.  Two-berth, with a fridge, gas hob, and sink.  Plus "porta potty".  Has a leisure battery or can hook up to electric.  Just perfect for me!  Mostly to be used as a "day-van" for adventuring around Orkney, with some summertime camping adventures to the isles and over the Pentland Firth to the North of Scotland.  Nowhere too far but I'm looking forward to more adventures in my wee "bubble" which is unfortunately necessary due to continuing Covid-19 and my health issues.  But fun times ahead I hope!! And no, Button will NOT be adventuring with me. She hates travel of any kind, bless her!

Around and about.....

 

Uninspiring title - sorry!  Anyway some photos from round and about Graemsay on a rare calm, sunny day when there was some warmth in the sun...... and yes it was a trike ride!  This time down to the Kirk as well as around the road.

The road through the valley on Hoy.

Looking East down Burra Sound....

Looking over to Hoy....

Steps leading down to the shore.....

Read the signs.....

Follow the arrows......

The old Kirk....

The old Kirk organ - or what remains of it....

Coat hooks in the "vestry"

Quiet neighbourhood.  Apparently there are a number of unmarked graves here.  Not every family chose to have a headstone - or maybe couldn't afford one?

Lichen on the kirkyard walls.  Apparently a sign of how clean the air is hereabouts.

Belted galloway cattle just across from the kirk.  The rooftop of the croft of Gorn on the horizon

Back over the other side of the island on the way to the pier - Scarratain.  Now a ruin but had a turf roof for insulation long before they were "on trend"!

Looking across to Stromness

Hoy High lighthouse, that diamond sign, showing where the electricity cable comes ashore, and to the right of the lighthouse tower, the rooftop and chimney of Sandside.  In front of the diamond sign is a small building where dynamite was kept when the "new" pier was built many years ago.  The little "dog kennel" in front was where they kept the detonators!

Looking across the fields at Sandside.

Home....

And here we are in March....

 

Much of February and the beginning of March has been characterised by wind, and rain, and wind... it got very boring.  But we have had some respite! AND sunset is now at 17,55! Whoo Hoo!  Here are some photos from a few days ago.  Above, looking across Sandside Bay to Hoy High lighthouse, Sandside house and steading (farm buildings) and across the water the parish of Orphir on Orkney Mainland.

Sheep may safely graze.....

The sleeping dragon...

The old croft of Quoynanap

Looking over to the Old Manse.

Keep Left....