Bye Bye Orkney

Today was a long slog from Kirkwall back to Inverness. We left at 9.00 and headed for Inverness. Our driver thoughtfully diverted to show us the imposing remains of the Stenness stone circle.

In the port of Stromness we grabbed some lunch supplies and boarded the ferry for Thurso on the mainland.

I'll remember Orkney for a blessed break from the rain, the rolling rrrs of the Orcadians, the word "peedee" (small) and a priceless description of the frigid winds, "It's a lazy wind". Lazy because it doesn't go around you - it just goes right through you.

We passed the Old Man of Hoy again.

In Thurso it had been raining (surprise!). We caught the train for the long journey to Inverness. With about 90 minutes left to travel, I was nodding off when we were invaded by the youth of the rural North. They were loud, happy, drinking, and over-perfumed. They were clearly headed for a big night in Inverness. Incredibly, despite single- figure temperatures, the girls wore midriff tops and miniskirts!

At Inverness we said goodbye to our guide and fellow travellers from the Orkney tour. We are now relaxing in the airport hotel. Its good to be able to enjoy our own company again. London tomorrow.