WEDNESDAY 11th 2012.
Overnighted some 230 nautical
miles through the North sea from Bergen in moderate seas to Lerwick in the
Shetland Islands. On arrival it was overcast, threatening rain and freezing cold,
about 6 degrees and this is their summer season. We were told it would not get
above 10 degrees during the day so it was really time to rug up. There are no
large wharfs in Lerwick and we had to anchor in the bay and be tendered into
town.
What a surprise this island Archipeligo is. It is green as green, with
not a tree in sight. Very hilly with rugged coastlines and sandy beaches. Small
hillside villages dotted the landscape and it was extremely picturesque and other
than for the cold it would be a good place for a quiet and relaxing holiday.
Lerwick is a sea port and the capital town of the Shetland Islands. It
is a small but quaint town built along the sea shore and easy to get around,
with most of the buildings and dwellings
built in the early 1940’s. History also abounds this place as the area
backdates from viking times.
We had a half day land excursion arranged to gain a history lesson and
visit an archaeological site of the “Jarishof Ruins” which dated back to 2500
BC. These ancient remains were not discovered until 1905 when they were exposed
during a fierce storm. It is a settlement which was in use during the Stone and
Bronze Ages and Viking times. The settlements are still partially buried,
however the excavations gave a good indication of how people lived in those
ancient times. The trip also took in a leisurely bus tour showing us the
features and everyday living of the island and its people. It was a great tour,
and considered this visit a memorable one.
Next port of call is Reykjavik in Iceland in two days time.
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