Since I last posted from Leknes, Norway, we have been island hopping around the Norwegian Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean. We had another relaxing and largely uneventful day at sea on Thursday. We did see many whales spouting off in the distance as we sailed southwesterly. My conjecture is that we were seeing the migration to the south for the winter.
Friday we were in Torshavn, Faroe Islands, Denmark. (For all of you Cliff Clavens out there, Torsahvn is from the Norse for Thor's Harbor!). We had been here previously and had taken a taxi tour outside of Torshavn, so we decided to explore the town. I found a website with a self guided walking tour with a link to download the route to Google Maps which made it very easy to follow. The day started overcast, much like the marine layer we get in Southern California. The forecast promised some sunshine, but it never came. Oh well, at least the temperature was in the balmy upper 50's. The ship was docked right in town giving a good view of the port area as we began our walk.
The first point on the tour was the Tinganes peninsula which houses the government buildings of the Faroe Islands' capital.
Next was the old town, still a residential area.
Then we walked past the cathedral and down to the harborside.
From there, we walked up to Vidarlundin Park. It is a lovely, large park and we spent some time walking around the trails around the pond and through the wooded area.
Then it was time to head back into town with a stop at the Kondaminnid Memorial.
Our final stop on our grand tour of Torshavn was the Skansin Fort.
It all made for a pleasant day in Torshavn.
For Saturday, we hopped over to Kirkwall in the Orkney Islands in Scotland. It was another day of exploring the town on foot. The sun was shining! We walked through town (where Larry bought a Scottish wool hat and Linda bought some Orkney socks) passing the sights such as the cathedral.
We then walked around something called the Peedie Sea - don't ask me why it's called that.
And finally, it was time for lunch which we ate at a little place called the Real Food Cafe. Most fittingly, they had a local beer called Island Hopping - it was somehow kismet that I had already entitled this blog entry before finding that beer!
After lunch, we visited a craft fair held in the town hall. And then, the most disappointing thing of the day occurred - when we walked out on the street we were greeted by a bagpipe player. Now, come on, is there anyone out there who actually likes bagpipe music?!?
We concluded our day in Kirkwall by walking around the bay in the other direction.
Why do they call it the Peedie Sea?
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