Shetlands

Today we were in the city of Lerwick which is the main city of the Shetland Islands.

When the day began the fog was thick and we wondered if we would see anything but by the time we left the ship the fog had dissipated and we were able to enjoy the views of the day. This was a tender port but the tender ride was only a few minutes long and the sea was smooth. We were seated downstairs and it so happened that the couple sitting across from us were from Victoria. We had a good short visit but it so happened that they were taking the same bus tour to Jarlshof that we were.

Because we are not the pushy type we were at the end of the line and when we finally got on the bus there were no regular seats left. Both Canadian couples were given the front seats that are normally reserved for the disabled. We were so lucky.

. These buses were the best we have been on so far. All of the seats had lots of leg room and the aisles were wider as well. There were wonderful windows and being in the front seat we were able to enjoy the front window as well.

Our guides name was Margaret and she was very good indeed. She told us about the country side we were passing through. She knew of the history as well as the local folklore.

The Shetlands are the most northerly part of the British Isles. There are more than 100 islands in all, but only 12 of them are inhabited. Very little of the land is flat here but the climate does not favor farming. Sheep and Shetland ponies live here easily but other domestic animals do not.

 The islands are remote and the many inlets and coves can make sailing these waters a challenge. People live here because of the fishing. The clear cold waters teem with many varieties of fish and marine life.

Now the oil industry provides a lot of the jobs and is th e draw for many people living here.

The country side is very barren looking because there are no trees. Margret told us that trees do not survive the harsh winds from the sea and the young trees get eaten by the sheep which will eat everything. Because of the lack of trees most if not all of the older buildings are made of stone. Fences are also built with stone. We passed miles of stone fences.

Our first stop was at the southern tip of the island to a place called Jarlshof, which has remnants of stone age buildings that may be up to 3 500 years old A violent storm uncovered the ruins in 1905, and since then archaeologists have also found artifacts from the bronze and iron ages.

Another ancient relic is the “broch”. It is a curious type of fortified tower farmhouse peculiar to Scotland. We were able to visit one here in Jarlshof. To be able to pass through all of these periodsin man’s history at just one site was really very amazing.

One stop was at Horwick and here I gave in and bought myself a Shetland cardigan sweater. It is plain and is a beautiful blue red color. At first I left it in the shop and was almost at the bus when I decided to go back. I knew I would be so sorry if I didn’t at least try it on. Well I did and it looked great on me. So I do have a souvenir of this wonderful trip, my beautiful  red handmade Shetland Wool sweater.

Soon it was time to head back toward town and the Ruby Princess.

We had a grand day and we could have spent several days not several  hours. They have 6 lighthouses here . One lighthouse is square in shape and the others are round. We were only able to
 admire one of them from a distance. On the next trip we will have to visit the lighthouses.