Orkney Sea Stacks and the Stone Age

We made it safely to Orkney yesterday after a smooth crossing from the mainland.

Checked out the Dark Island in the Ferry Inn and watched the Euro football.

Today we headed for Yesnabey for a coast walk. Bit of surprise to see and hear dozens of motor bikes in a scramble bike event. Impossible to get away from the noise. Found Yesnabey Castle sea stack a short walk from the car. Bit dull but managed some shots. Shame about the old climbing ropes left in place, hanging from top to bottom, spoiling an otherwise natural scene.

Next stop was Skara Brae, a 5000 year old Stone Age village. Difficult to photograph in black and white but jolly interesting.

The Brough of Birsay was next and this was where the sun came out. An old monastery and lots of birds. Fulmars, Kittiwakes, Guillemots, Puffins, Black Guillemots and lots more.

We finished the day with some stone circles. First was the Ring of Brodgar. Almost 40 standing stones in a large circle close to a lake with hills in the background. Blue sky with white fluffy clouds so time for the orange filter.

Just time for one last location, the Stones of Stenness. Still blue sky and clouds (6 pm), right next to the road and no people. Three large stones 12 to 15 feet high and 3 smaller ones.

Well lit from side facing road and good shots into sun from other side too.

Finished at 6.30pm, 12 rolls Ilford FP4 for the day, hopefully some good ones.

After a quick change it was down to the Ferry Inn. Just one pint and I had drunk them out of Dark Island. Maybe I should have let them know I was coming!

It’s almost midnight and still pretty light outside; strange!