Sailing to Stromness....

 

Hoy High light and Graemsay 

Last week I had to make a quick visit to Stromness for a routine blood test at the local Health Centre.  I got the first boat in the morning (08.10) and returned on the 10am sailing so I wasn't there long! Not even chance for a takeaway coffee from my favourite cafe (Julia's). All covid protections are in place in Orkney and I felt quite safe, both sailing on the ferry, and at the health centre.  The main problem was ice everywhere!  I was afraid of doing a Bambi impression!  I have fragile bones so falling is not recommended.  Never fear I did the penguin shuffle around the town.  Had the chance of a quick socially distanced chat with a friend I hadn't seen since October and then came home.  So here are a few photos of the sail to Stromness on a beautiful cold and frosty morning..... 

PS - first time I've seen a proper sunrise all winter - well I am retired!!  After 60 years of getting up for school, university and work on dark mornings I am revelling in the fact I don't HAVE to do that now.  Whooo hooo. Retirement going well then......

Looking down Clestrain Sound to the island of Flotta (in the middle) Orkney Mainland on the left.

Hoy High lighthouse on Graemsay.....

Snow dusted Hoy Hills......

Approaching the harbour....

Stromness waterfront.....

Sunrise over the harbour and the Graemsay ferry.....

Boats in the harbour....

It was a lovely calm day, hope you enjoyed coming with me!  Next post will be the return journey....