I decided that my second day in the Orkneys would be a ‘domestic’ day. That meant washing my clothes in a washing machine for the first time since I had left Marshfield.
I found a Launderette in the town centre of Kirkwall. I loaded my washing and looked for a café. I found an inviting looking place a few metres away. I ordered some coffee and plugged by laptop. The waitress re-appeared with the manager. I was told that if I “wanted to use the power, I would have to pay GBP 5 for using the power”. I asked why??? They claimed that it was because staff from the ships abused the “offer of free Wifi”. I said that was bit like offering free water but charging GDP 5 for the use of a glass. They did not seem amused.
Still in my ‘domestic’ mood, I went to Tescos and bought some salmon and salad. I cooked the salmon in the hostel downed by a local ale and some Chilean wine.
Day 3
I decided not to ride the bike this day. I walked into town and found a place called the Reel. It was an interesting mixture of a bar, restaurant, café and music school. It is staff by some seriously good looking waitresses.
It decided to take a Facebook friend’s advice and took a bus to the Standing Stones of Stenness and the Ring o’ Brodgar. Unlike Stonehenge both sites are easily accessible and free. There is also an archeological dig nearby.
http://www.orkneyjar.com/history/standingstones/
I returned to the Reel in time for a couple of beers before it closed at 6.00 p.m. Another patron was bloke from Adelaide. He told me that he was married to an Orcadian. She convinced him to return to the Orkneys for “short stay”. This has turned out to be 3 years. He told me that this was 2 and ½ years too long. He teaches music, including at the Reel, and plays in local folk band. He told me that the winters are very hard to cope with. One thing pointed out was that there are no eves on the roofs. This is because of the extreme winds. It is apparently not uncommon buildings to be damaged by the wind. If the roofs had eves they would be blown off.
I had dinner at Helgas a place recommended in the book I am reading of the ride.
When I returned to the hostel ran into a women that worked at the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority. I met her when I worked there in 2006. She was on a trip through Scotland, Ireland and England with her twin sister. They were born in Kurri Kurri and the sister lives in Woy Woy and they are twins – ‘ what the?’ ,’ what the?’. They are classics.
Day 4
Decided to get back on the bike and ride to the Orkney Brewery. Brewing is not a traditional industry on the island. They do, however, make a reasonable drop. The barley comes from Lancashire. The staff at the brewery were very friendly and seemed interested in my trip. They were very keen to take my photo. I guess they don’t get too many visitors.
I returned to Kirkwall via Stromness. It made Kirkwall look colourful.
I had dinner at Helgas again.
By the time I made my way to the ferry terminal for the ferry to the Shetlands it was freezing.
I boarded ferry at 11.00 p.m. and settled into a ‘ sleeping pod’ which is a bit like those used on aircraft (If you are willing to travel 1st or Business). A bloke a few rows away was snoring so loudly. I think he managed to keep the whole ship awake, let alone those in the sleeping pod section.
The ferry travels very slowly so it arrives in the Lerwick at around 7.00 a.m.
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