Up Helly Aa day, and by golly gosh it was chilly, and windy and a bit haily!
We started out early and got to town in time to see the boat procession. This bit wasn't quite so bad and the sun tried to shine on but the big gusts were cold.
Jill thought this was a good painting, but it is all thread!
We had a super meal, with Kat, at Number 88 and then parked up ready for the big show. It was amazing but a bit dodgy with so many sparks. We wonder how many spotted the hidden Jarl in the head.
To Unst.
It was an early start to catch the ferry. There was actually a sprinkling of hail, mostly on the Alps road but the roads were fine.
We got the 9.15am ferry and then drove North to starting at the Northern most points of Unst and then heading South. Unfortunately it still wasn't walking weather so it was mostly in the car.
We visited Norwick beach first. Then Scaw where you can see the Gantry from the Space centre quite well, it looks quite alien in the landscape.
We went up top to see Muckle Flugga lighthouse and visited Shetland Reel gin shop. Nice!
Then it was down to the Viking longship
We had a slow wander back through Yell and headed for Frankie's for some lovely fish and chips.
A Super day
We got out a bit earlier today as the weather was quite a bit better. Windy, but some sunshine and a few showers.
We had a blip with the car as it had decided it didn't want to charge so we stopped en route at a fast charger. Bit frustrating but sometimes things don't go smoothly.
We headed North to Eshaness. Stopping briefly at Mavis Grind, where the Atlantic and North Sea are closest.
It was actually surprisingly calm and we had a break in the showers so had a look at the cliffs .
Tiny, tiny rainbow.
Jill took some photos for Kat's Grandad. ( Hello Grandad!)
We managed to fit in everything we needed just in between the showers.
After heading back, we had a chilled evening and had a good meal. Baileys cheesecake!
It's been a bit all over the place with no ferries for 3 days as the weather has been so rough. Unfortunately one of our Up Helly Aa guests didn't make it.
Yesterday, Jill went over to Yell to help our friend Sarah out while her car is in for repair. We had a lovely Jolly, picked up her daughter from school and made a new friend at Gutcher, who makes amazing coffee.
Our other Guest, Kat, luckily had changed plans and flew in so Jill picked her up on the way home.
Today we took it a bit easy and showed her some of the Westside, it is still cold and wet, so not conducive for much more than a car tour but we fitted in Sandness, Burrafirth, Westerwick, Burrastow, Reawick and Skeld.
Tonight was the village Burns Night so we went and ate Haggis listened to music and had a wee dance.
It's pretty wet and windy out there at the moment so it was a surprise to have a last minute guest, up for an interview. It was supposed to be one night but the wind has stopped the ferries.
It looks like the weather will be ok next week for Up Helly Aa.
Rob had a procedure at the Gilbert Bain , which went well. We got to meet Franko , a local cat that has sussed the hospital is warm and full of cuddles.
We have had cloud cover for some amazing Auroras but there was a super sunset.
Mr Spiky is still doing well.
Even in the wild weather PA was a challenge to try and get some photos. It was hard as you can't hold a camera still, or keep rain off the lens.
Up Helly Aa day, and by golly gosh it was chilly, and windy and a bit haily! We started out early and got to town in time to see the boat p...
