We arrived by ferry on the Orkney Islands. There are several islands that make up the Orkneys but visited only on one of them, the larger of the group. We stayed at a nice B&B near the ferry. Not sure what would be open at the time we arrived but were excited to see the Sternness Stones dating to 3000 BC at Barnhouse Village. The village was the same era and perhaps were for those responsible for the stones. Then Maeshowe, a burial tomb from 3500 BC. No photos were allowed inside but it was quite interesting. The entrance was 3.5 feet high and 30 feet long. We had to bend over double to get in. The main chamber was about 15 feet square with three side chambers. The winter solstice lines up perfectly with the opening and a standing sone 700 feet away. The vikings broke into the tomb about 900 and carved runes - usually with their names as in “Sven was here.” We drove to Kirkwall about 20 minutes away for dinner. With no plan other than to eat. Found a wonderful Italian restaurant and ate an excellent meal. Leaving there to walk back to our car, we passed the cathedral, St Magnus, (built in the 12th century) that we understood was not open at that time, but people were entering. So we followed. It was a concert to celebrate the 30th year of Orkney Camarata and we enjoyed a superior evening concert and returned to our B&B delighted with the day.
