23 September
Today is our last day on Orkney, can't say we are glad! But we only have to reach St Margaret's Hope by nightfall, to catch the second ferry the next day. So decide to go to Stromness, the second largest town on Orkney Mainland after Kirkwall. Then on to Kirkwall. We say goodbye to David at Old Quoyscottie, see for the last time the cattle and geese on the road to Dounby, and revel in the fact that it's lovely weather! The farmers are out after the rain with their tractors. And Stromness at last! This is the alternative ferry port to the Scottish mainland. We park our car when we see a parking spot and walk along Alfred Road to the museum, that we believe is a not-to-miss experience. And indeed! What a delight!! This little street is so enchanting, with all sorts of interesting details. Above, we see the evidence of Norse architecture: the stepped gable and corner treatment, and John Rae we will get to know intimately in the museum. He was the Orcadian explorer who disc...