Day 9

Day 9 - The trip home

Here it is, home time!  I actually don'y want to go!  I want to stay, but at least I know I'm coming back!

The sunrise was amazing, & what a place to see it from the boat!  Weather was a lot calmer than on the way here, although still a bit nippy!!

It was a really good crossing, although it did get a bit choppy as we neared the mainland, but not too bad.

It was a long 12 hour journey home, but we made it.

Nacho was really good considering how long the journey was.

Can't wait to go & live there!!

Day 8

Day 8 - Last full day

So I took Eddie into the college early, & went back to Nacho to find this on the drive

So I herded them to the side of the cottage

I hoped that by the time I went into Kirkwall they would have gone back to their field - but of course that didn't happen, so I had to herd them back up the track & towards their field & left them trotting in the right direction!  Its been a while since I used my shepherding skills!!

Went into Kirkwall & did some Christmas shopping - yes really!! & then went to meet a lady called Hayley for lunch, who Eddie had out me in touch with.  We had a lovely chat & she gave me loads of useful information about Orkney and living there.  I was already sold on the place, but Hayley completely sealed the deal - I now can't wait to go & live there!

Called in at the public library - what a lovely place!  Maybe a job as a  relief library assistant would do me!!  Also found what looks like a good vets, so very happy!

Went back to Nacho & then eventually we went to fetch Eddie.  An early night was in order as we have to get up at 5.00 in the morning! eeek!!

Day 7

Day 7 - Going nowhere!

Eddie took the car into work with the thought that if they closed the Churchill Barriers, then he would stay in Kirkwall & I would be home with Nacho.

The barriers link some of the smaller islands, & we were staying on the far side of them.  Normally things are fine, but when you have high winds and a high tide, the barriers are closed - This is why .....

Churchill Barriers on a very windy day

I really didn't fancy this , so I stayed put.  At this point I will mention, our house is the other side of the barriers, so this won't be an issue!!!

So this day was bit of a write off really, but it was an experience in wind like that, it was evil!!  Poor Nacho tried to wee twice & as he cocked his leg he got blown over - literally, so he started to wee like a girl dog!  He really is bright!

Looking forward to tomorrow, when the wind is due to drop!

Oh one good point today ........... the offer on the house was accepted!!  So it's going to be ours pending all the legal stuff that we now have to go through!! Yeehaa!!!

Day 6

Day 6 - Nacho & I explore

So we dropped Eddie off at the college & Nacho & I went off to find Birsey RSPB reserve.  The weather has calmed down a bit & its even sunny!  It was a lovely drive there, except for the path up to the hide, which wasn't pleasant, but we made it.  The hide was under a great big wind turbine and locked!!!  However the view from up there was stunning.

So we had a gentle drive back, which was really nice.  Once we got back tp the cottage we had a play in th garden. 

Meanwhile Eddie went to the estate agents and put an offer in on the house, so now we just need to wait.

We went to fetch Eddie mid afternoon & again back to the cottage.

In the evening we went out for a meal with the present Principal & his wife.  It was a really pleasent evening, & hopefully weve made some new friends.

Weather forcast tomorrow is evil, had to cancel my plans - its fun here!!!

Day 5

Day 5 - Pottering about

Went to try & find the beach, but without success - there must be a secret way down there!!

Called in at the Italian Chapel on the way into Kirkwall - what an amazing place!

Built by the Italian prisoners of war, who also built the Churchill Barriers.

 Then we went into Kirkwall instead, Nacho seemed to enjoy pottering around, most shops let him in if we carried him!

There are some really nice shops, some really quirky!  but its a really nice small city.

Had lunch in a wonderful dog friendly cafe, which was also gluten free friendly! yeehaa!

Then went for a drive down to Stormness, which we felt wasnt as pretty as Kirkwall, but to be fair we didnt stop & mooch around, after all there will be plenty of time for that!!

Stopped to look at some birds on way back, then just had a restful eveving.

Wish this wind would drop!!!

Day 4

Day 4 - House hunting day

Well today was the day we had been waiting for - house hunting.  ONe of the properties we had wanted to see had already gone, but main one was still available, so we set off to Deerness for about 10,00.

Still incredibly windy, we set off over the Churchill Barriers to get to our location.  When we got there, it was just one big ...... WOW!  We absolutely loved the place.  It has everything we could possibly want, plenty of room for guests & loads of storage, grounds are amazing & the views stunning.

It's a definite yes, so we are putting an offer in for it.

The idea was we were then going for a drive & stop for lunch somewhere, but the waves were splashing up on the barrieres, & I didnt want Nacho to be on the other side of them if they closed, so we went back for him, had lunch, then went for a drive to Stromness.

Then home for dinner

Day 3

Day 3 - Eddie attends graduation while Nacho & I have R & R

It turned out only Eddie had an invite to the graduation, which was fine by me!  So while he was there, Nacho & I stayed at the cottage with the idea of walking down to the beach - however Nacho had other ideas!!  It was VERY windy & he really wasn't keen, so after 3 attempts to go to the beach & each time we got so far & he turned round & started his way back to the cottage, I gave up & we stayed walk & dry having snuggles on the settee!

After Eddie got back, we went down into Kirkwall & had a look around & went for some food.

Then another quiet night in - if you can call it quiet with the strenght of the wind!!

Day 2

Day 2 - Arrival on Orkney

The weather was a bit wet when Nacho went for his early morning walk!  But he enjoyed it just the same!

And so the three hour journey to the ferry began.....

When we got there we were second in the queue for the ferry, so we walked in our bay & had to take it in turns to go into the cafe for lunch as dogs weren't allowed in.  By now it was very windy, so the crossing was going to be interesting!!

Took Nacho a walk around the harbour area & we stopped to watch a couple of seals playing in the harbour - then it started to rain!!

So the boat came, we got on & Nacho wasn't allowed inside so we had to stay out on deck in the wind and rain!!! Deep joy!  Eddie tucked the little guy inside his jacket & we found a sheltered place to stand when it rained

When Orkney came into sight, I have to admit it was very beautiful.

So an hour later we pulled into St. Margaret's Hope, drove off the boat & 20 mins later we werein our cottage & the sun was shining!!  So unpacked, got Nacho settled (he was shattered), & went into Kirkwall to the college.

Eddie met with the outgoing Principal, while I admired the view from the windows!!

We then went shopping & went back to the cottage for pizza!!