Well what a day for the final day of our voyage! Waking to rare Shetland sunshine and blue skies made our earlier than usual start a bit easier. With a number of outings on offer—geology, archaeology, and wildlife experiences were all up for grabs. Our bus travelled south to Sumburgh Head where, bathed in warm light and a gentle breeze, the view south to Fair Isle was glorious. Puffins flew in and out from their clifftop burrows allowing great photo opportunities. With over 100,000 breeding pairs of puffins, the Shetland Islands are home to about 20% of the British and Irish population. There are few experiences to match a close encounter with one of these, and the beaming smiles all around told their own story.
Nearby, the archaeological site at Jarlshof had many other stories to tell. Dating from 2500 B.C., signs of almost continuous occupation were evident, layered histories bringing to life images of our ancestors. Walking in their footsteps, seeing evidence of their day to day lives, gives a great sense of place and belonging.
As we sailed from Lerwick we revisited the seabird cliffs of Noss, experiencing the full drama of thousands of gannets on these very impressive cliffs. The sound of the birds calling to each other, not to mention the rather vivid and pungent aroma, left us all in awe of one of Scotland’s most spectacular experiences.
As the sea miles began to roll past, and we set our sights on Norway, a slow wind down was apparent. But the British and Irish Isles were not finished with us yet. A coastguard helicopter treated us to a close show as they performed exercises off the stern, but as we turned seawards a couple of blows ahead signaled the final twist. Two groups of killer whales warranted a fast course diversion and we were all treated to a great show by at least eight animals, including an adult female with a very young calf. As they fed on fish with gannets attending they even came to investigate us. As they surfaced within 30m of the ship the sound of gasps and cheers and “WOWs” were deafening!
Finally then we left them to their peace and turning again to sea, bow to Bergen, we sail on the final stretch of a most memorable voyage of discovery. Having experienced many of the most precious aspects of the cultural and natural heritage of the British and Irish Isles, with friends made, we turn for home and the next adventures in all of our lives.
