We had received mixed reactions from people we told about our plans to visit Shetland. Some were intrigued and excited for us while others couldn't fathom why in the world we would want to visit such a cold, windy and remote place. The American woman we sat next to during dinner before the Tattoo was a little bit of both - intrigued by our choice, but probably wouldn't ever make the journey herself - "I think there is a tree in Shetland...just the one."
Nevertheless, we were on our way! Constance was a teeny tiny bit anxious about what size airplane we would be taking to the islands - not only is it a short flight from Edinburgh, but there couldn't be that many travelers to and from Shetland on a daily basis so the plane, she imagined, would probably be one of those rubberband propeller jobs.
It turned out that while our plane wasn't exactly the size of a 747...
... but it wasn't wound up with rubberbands either...
It was a smooth and uneventful flight - the best kind! - and once we were in Sumburgh (pronounced Sumbrah - who would have thought?) Airport we picked up the keys for our car (yes, Constance and I were venturing onto the highway!) and visited the airport tourist information desk before hitting the road.
One of the things Constance was absolutely sure of was that the people in Shetland would be very nice and if the woman we spoke to at the tourist information desk was any indication, she was absolutely right. This woman was so helpful and friendly - and clearly proud of her home as she gave us loads of advice and ideas of things to do and see during our visit. Granted, this was her job, but there was something a bit more warm and inviting about her than I've experienced at other tourist information centers. She seemed genuinely interested in making sure we had a good stay.
Considering we had to drive north to Lerwick, she suggested we stop on the way and take a ride on the Mousa Ferry to a little island called...Mousa! Given that it was a beautiful day - something we were sure was a fluke and wouldn't last beyond this day - we decided to take her advice and take a ride on the ferry.
We got there a little after noon...after making a few scenic stops along the way...
...this is a loch just outside of the airport - we couldn't believe how beautiful it was everywhere we looked!
Our second stop was at the Sumburgh Lighthouse - constructed in 1821 (oldest lighthouse in Shetland) and constructed by Robert Stevenson - grandfather of Robert Louis Stevenson!
It was a little windy...
...but we were so excited to be there!
Eventually, we did make it to the Mousa Ferry...
The Mousa Ferry!
...and we're off!
...and oh so cool...wearing my dad's hat to keep my head warm.
...no looking back...
On the island...and our guide Ranger Howard on the right...
...unfortunately, we missed the puffins by a week, but there were seals...that's the head of a seal way in the distance...
Ranger Howard and his sidekick...
...cold but enjoying the scenery...
...the seals didn't seem to mind the cold...
...me studying the Mousa map...
One of the most intriguing things on the island was this round structure called a broch. Brochs are stone structures (obviously) from the Iron Age and they are found only in Scotland, but there is still some question as to their origin. Some believe they were used as defensive military structures while other argue they were farmhouses.
Whatever their origin they are impressive. The broch on Mousa Island is one of the most intact brochs in all of Scotland. This was taken inside the broch from a small window in the inner circle staircase! Hello Constance!
From the top of the broch - it stands 13 meters high.
We were on the island for a couple of hours and during that time there were a couple of passing rain squalls. Nothing too serious, but during one such squall there was an old lady...older lady who took it upon herself to shield me from the wind and rain as best she could with her raincoat. I don't know what it was about me in particular, but once the squall was a upon us she got almost immediately behind me and opened up her raincoat to protect me from the wet and cold. It was a little strange...very nice, but a wee bit weird. Once we were back on the mainland we chatted with her and her husband and it turns out they were Ranger Howard's parents visiting from Edinburgh! At first Constance thought it was fate because she had her eye on Ranger Howard as a perfect match for me, but, alas, it wasn't meant to be as we soon learned they were there to get to know his new wife! Oh well. Easy come, easy go.
We did learn from them, however, that Ranger Howard was also an artist and that his work was being shown at the newly renovated Lerwick Museum! More on that later....
For now we were anxious to get to our B&B in Lerwick as we had both worked up quite an appetite traipsing around the island...
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