sit right back and you'll hear a tale...

...a tale of a fateful trip. That started from a Northern port, aboard this not-so-tiny ship.

Even though we were as far North as any of our clan had ever been (except my lovely wife, who has made the long jaunt up to Anchorage, Alaska!), it was still possible to go yet further, so we opted for a day trip to the Orkney Islands. Swimming was the cheaper form of travel to the islands, but we didn't quite have that much time, so we opted for a quick hour long ferry ride, with a few creature comforts, such as an onboard Scottish breakfast. Complete with black sausage, beans, tomatoes and eggs! We were so eating the delightful repast that no one thought to snap a picture. But here is one from after the meal, and Tiffany is better to look at anyway.

The mate was a mighty sailin' man, the Skipper, she was brave and sure.

While we were aboard the ship, Lilyana struck up a conversation with the purser, and managed to talk us onto the bridge to meet the captain. Commanding the vessel was the first mate, and he was quite taken with the kids, as is usual with such charming redheads. They were able to Lilyana has since decided she would like to go into the maritime industry, and become a ship's captain! (which she wants to do in-between her ballet and shoe designing careers, but we always tell her to keep your options open!)

Five passengers set sail that day, for an all day long tour, an all day long tour…

We were aboard the MV Hamnavoe. For those interested in these types of things (including my father) she has a length of 112 m (367 ft) and beam 18.5 m (61 ft), measures 8,780 GT, and has a top speed of 19 knots (22 MPH for the less nautically inclined). 7 decks, with a capacity for 600 passengers and 68 cars boast a rear lounge, forward dining room, private lounge, sitting area, and most importantly a fully stocked play room for the kids, complete with ship appropriate costuming!

The weather started getting rough, the tiny ship was tossed. If not for the courage of the fearless crew, the Hamnavoe would be lost; the Hamnavoe would be lost.

The Orkney Islands receive an average of 38 inches of rain per year, with about 3.5 of those inches falling in August. This year, they knew we were coming, so they saved it up and dropped all 3.5 inches in a single day. That meant, the weather was very rainy on the ride over. It made for some very impressive views of the islands as we approached!

The ship set ground at the port of Stromness upon the Orkney Isle, with fishing villages, the harbor too,

Stromness is a very cute little fishing village at the side of a small hill. Only 22,000 people live on the entire island, with about a tenth of those living in this town. Everyone knows everyone! We walked in the rain for awhile, and then found a pot of tea to keep warm!

the Cathedral, and a Palace,

Kirkwall, the next town over, is home to one of the oldest cathedrals in Scotland, St. Magnus'. Built in the 12th century, the history is far too long to be recounted here (and probably only fascinating to hardcore history geeks like myself). Basically there was a lot of treachery, fighting, death, and a saint and a cathedral were the result. (This is true for much of Scottish history).

Next door is also a Bishops Palace. The original home of William the Old, who was, well, Old. He was said to have been the bishop of the cathedral from its founding, and hold the office for 66 years. What they called him when he was young is lost to history. Probably just "William".

the Standing Stones,

While taking a taxi ride between Stromness and Kirkwall, we stopped and briefly braved the driving rain to see the Standing Stones of Stenness. Thought to be the oldest standing stones on the British Isles. They are ~10 ton slabs of rock, that are a bit older than the Pyramids of Giza. Each stone took about 20 men to put in place, which is about 1,100 lbs per man. Not a bad trick...

the more tasty cakes and hot warm tea.

One thing you never get tired of when being soaked by the famous sideways rain of Scotland is being able to duck into a tea and coffee shop, and find out what delightful baked goods they have that day. We took advantage of the local past time of warm beverages at every chance we could. Fabian was happy to give his stamp of approval as well!

here on Orkney Islands!

Our return trip involved a local bus, and another ferry ride, still with rain and rough seas, but it was still accompanied by the beautiful scenery that is commonplace in Scotland (common, but certainly not unappreciated!)

It was a great day, with lots of beautiful buildings and very remote feel to it all. It certainly seems like you are on top of the world, away from it all. People have been living there continuously since the Stone Age. The history is so thick you can feel it slowing you down with a long drawn out perspective on human history. One day on the islands, especially one day hampered by pouring rain, was not nearly enough, so we will just have to go back!

Later, y'all!

BFH

P.S. When we got back to the mainland, we were delighted to find the rain had stopped, and a troop of bagpipers were visiting the small village we had dinner in. Not ones to run out on good Scottish music, we sang Scotland the Brave with all the rest of the locals crowd.

P.S.S. Apologies to Schwartz and Wyle for butchering their theme song.