Wind howling in Orkney tonight

[dylanwinter]

while 50 miles further south scotland has been enjoying hot summer sun Kirkwall has been a very different kettle of fish. Storm bound here for a few days more. Due to keep blowing until Sunday.

I went out this evening and took a few snaps of Kirkwall - as I write Harmony is pressed hard against the fenders

http://www.keepturningleft.co.uk/sailing-around-britain/kirkwall-tonight/

 

[lpdsn]

Wasn't there an Orkney & Shetland version of the Beaufort scale? I think your storm might be an Orkney light breeze.

 

[dylanwinter]

Wasn't there an Orkney & Shetland version of the Beaufort scale? I think your storm might be an Orkney light breeze.

the locals are taking it seriously judging by the number of working boats clinging to the harbour walls

several biggish charter yachts are hiding here too. I am very happy.... I have no schedule so no need to sail in bad weather. We intend to try hitching around the island tomorrow.

D

 

[Hial]

If you don't get a lift in Orkney you can get an all day bus pass for about 7 or 8 pounds.

 

[dylanwinter]

hitching will be more fun

If you don't get a lift in Orkney you can get an all day bus pass for about 7 or 8 pounds.

hitching will be more fun

D

 

[Even Chance]

Hardly noticed the wind. Its just business as usual. From the West is fine. If it was that bad the local boats would be dry.
Heres the copy of the revised Shetland scale. Obviously a lot of local quips, but you'll get the idea Im sure.

 

[2nd_apprentice]

Last year we hired some bikes and cycled to the Italian chapel, worth going. St. Magnus does guided tours to upper level and tower twice a week. Didn't stay too long in Kirkwall this year and went on to Pirowall where we again hired bikes. Depending how big your crew is it actually might work out cheaper hiring a car as we found out. Ok not as cheap as hitching a ride but not too fond of doing that myself.

 

[AngusMcDoon]

There's been fog further down the West coast - Mull/Small Isles area. I'm going North and that is equally as useless weather as yours.

 

[dylanwinter]

Last year we hired some bikes and cycled to the Italian chapel, worth going. St. Magnus does guided tours to upper level and tower twice a week. Didn't stay too long in Kirkwall this year and went on to Pirowall where we again hired bikes. Depending how big your crew is it actually might work out cheaper hiring a car as we found out. Ok not as cheap as hitching a ride but not too fond of doing that myself.

we had a great day riding the thumb around Orkney

some lovely people gave us lifts and almost no waiting - always got a lift second or third car

a few snaps and a report here

http://www.keepturningleft.co.uk/sailing-around-britain/riding-the-thumb/

 

[Giblets]

Great pics, Dylan, especially the one of you "interviewing" the seaweed!!!! :encouragement:

 

[aquaplane]

Wonderful, sounds like a good place to be.

 

[dylanwinter]

Nine varieties

Great pics, Dylan, especially the one of you "interviewing" the seaweed!!!! :encouragement:

everyone else had seen me coming and run away

9 varieties of sea weed on that one beach

I am used to southern seaweed smelling rather bad

all of this was fragrant and lovely

tasted some it as well

nutty, sweet and salty

D

 

[FishyInverness]

If it's windy, just wait 6 hours, or go to Stromness, it'll change in an instant!

Also, if you're at Stromness, as well as visiting the Museum and losing yourself for a few hours(!) Pop in and see Janette at the Rope Centre Chandlery, a right character, tell her I sent you and she'll raise the prices some!!

 

[rwoofer]

Interesting to read on another thread that a Wayfarer attempting the round Britain record has just passed inside Orkney islands in the last 24 hours or so. They must be made of strong stuff if bigger boats are staying in harbour.

 

[sighmoon]

Not trying to take anything away from the guys in the Wayfarer - they're inspirational, but they were heading East, and hoping to break a record, whereas Dylan wants to go West, and is hoping to make a film.

 

[rwoofer]

Not trying to take anything away from the guys in the Wayfarer - they're inspirational, but they were heading East, and hoping to break a record, whereas Dylan wants to go West, and is hoping to make a film.

I was thinking more of the boats mentioned by Dylan

..."the locals are taking it seriously judging by the number of working boats clinging to the harbour walls

several biggish charter yachts are hiding here too."...

 

[dylanwinter]

went out for sail today

classic boisterous Orkney day

 

[Seajet]

Looks a lovely sail Dylan, even allowing for the camera I'm a little surprised the water was so flat; would have been rude not to go out !

 

[dylanwinter]

Looks a lovely sail Dylan, even allowing for the camera I'm a little surprised the water was so flat; would have been rude not to go out !

sheltered water - just lumpy in places when the tide is ripping around a headland

when it is coming over grey then the camera is hidden down below out of the spray

D

 

[dgadee]

sheltered water - just lumpy in places when the tide is ripping around a headland

when it is coming over grey then the camera is hidden down below out of the spray

D

I've caught up with you. In Stromness a couple of days, then St Margaret's Hope and came up to Kirkwall yesterday.

For anyone behind me, Lybster red light was switched off 5 months ago and hasn't been put back on. Plenty of depth in harbour after dredging. Very nice location.

Mobile internet rubbish in Kirkwall. Outside the wireless museum I was told by someone that he waited till he got home ... Stromness marina has wifi but not Kirkwall.