The wind howls here!  We leave our B&B with an extra layer and our toques!  We (at least I needed them).

There are many archaeological sites in the approximately 70 Orkney Islands.  We are currently on what (I find a bit ironic) is called the Mainland.  There is ferry service to most of the other islands, but we have decided to concentrate on the Mainland due to the short time that we have here.  This morning we drove into Kirkwall, the largest town here and popped into the Tourist Info center and received some really great information there.

Also on our way into town, we spotted (kind of hard to miss) a HUGE cruise ship in port.  We are told that there are 4,000 passengers on board.  The population of Kirkwall is about 9,000, so the sudden addition of the cruise ship passengers  certainly has a big effect on their economy.  After we left the Tourist Info office we are surrounded by many of those passengers who have come into Kirkwall to get their taste of the Orkneys.  We decide to take the road less travelled and meander our way along the south coast of this island.

The Orkneys  were named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. We come across a site called Orphir Earl’s Bu.  It was part of a Norse Earl’s manor house from the 12th century.  A Bu is a Hall.  Here is a photo of what remains of the Earl’s Drinking Hall.  A murder took place here in 1154.

We need to stop on the road for sheep.  These guys are moving.  The shepherd is following on his ATV with another sheep on the hood.  Pretty funny sight.

We move on the Standing Stones of Stennes.  The name Stennes comes from the old Norse Stein-nes meaning “stone promontory”.  It is believed that there were once more standing stones and sites in this landscape.

After that we are able to view the archaeological dig going on at Ness of Brodgar.  Ness in Scotland means “Headland”.  We have heard that it is only possible to work this site for 2 months of the year due to inclement weather.  After each dig season they cover the site using the tires that we see piled everywhere.  Excavations here have revealed a walled enclosure surrounding some fascinating structures/  One building is over 20  meters long.

There is another standing stone circle call the “Ring of Brodgar”  We arrived there just before 4 tour buses arrived carry some more of those 4,000 passengers.  We aborted, choosing to go tomorrow when the ship is off to it’s next port.

We make our way to the Earl’s Palace and get come geocaching done along the way.  Stu also spot a 1969 Morris Minor and needs to have a photo with it.

We wend our way back to our B&B to plan our evening.  There is nothing within walking distance for dinner, so we need to figure out where to go.  A little googling may help  🙂  We find that we are pretty tired after days in the brisk fresh air.  We have walked a lot kilometers.  9.25 today.  Last week over 74 K.  We are having great sleeps. 🙂