Day 5 - Island of Rousay

Wednesday on Rousay - Caz and I took the the ferry boat ride to the island of Rousay. Our sites included the Blackhammer Cairn, Taversoe Tuick, and the Midhowe Broch.

We enjoyed seal watching on the cliffs and relaxing until it was time to catch the ferry back to the Mainland of Orkney.

The Blackhammer Cairn is thought to date from around 3,000 BC, the structure is a typical stalled cairn, with an interior divided into seven compartments by pairs of upright stone slabs.

It was quite and experience to be standing in a tomb from so long ago. My mind would wander back in time trying to visualize what life would have been like for the Orcadians of this period.

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Taversoe Tuick Cairn is a chambered cairn built into the hillside on the south side of Rousay, overlooking Wyre Sound.
Dating from around 3,000 BC. This cairn is a two-story structure, with one chamber set on top of the other.

This was an interesting cairn with two entrances. I climbed around like a little kid and enjoyed every bit of it.

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Midhow Broch was probably my favorite of all the sites in Orkney. Constructed and used some time between 200BC and 200AD, at first glance the Midhowe broch appears to have been built with defence in mind.

Standing on a promontory formed by two geos, the broch is protected on one side by the sea and on the landward side by a stone rampart and ditch. This massive rampart is built in an arc between the two geos and effectively cuts off access from the land.

Among the items uncovered were the remains of a bronze ladle and some shards of pottery - items that had a definite Roman origin. Because Orkney was well away from the areas of Roman control, they must either have been acquired as gifts or through trading or raiding excursions south.

Day 4 - Orkney Islands, Scotland

My Archaeology Tour Begins

If you are ever interested in an archaeology tour of the Orkney Islands I highly recommend Caz Mamwell with Orkney Archaeology Tours. My time with Caz was one to be remembered. She is highly knowledgeable in her field and leads a professional tour. I will definitely book again.

Caz picked me up at my hotel and we were off on our journey for the day.

Our first stop was The Bishop and Earl's Palaces, and an in-depth tour and of St. Magnus Cathedral. I would have never discovered everything on my own.

Day 3 - Kirkwall, Scotland

Feeling Great!

I woke up this morning feeling great. I slept well and adjusted to the time change. I now feel as if I am on Scotland time.

I took a taxi to the Orkney Museum and was able to see all the artifacts I've seen in the various archaeology books I've read over time. It's amazing how different they looked in real life.
Afterwards I toured the ruins of the Earl's Palace as well as the Bishop's Palace. I walked over the the St. Magnus Cemetery to take a few photos. I didn't stay long since that was scheduled to be the first day of my archaology tour with Caz Mamwell.

The highlight of my day was my visit to Ola Gorie Jewelry to see my friend Karoline. She looked as beautiful as I remembered her last year. We talked for a bit and then I purchased the Kells earrings I've had my eyes on for some time. We agreed to meet up later in the week.

Ola Gorie Jewelry shop. http://olagorieshop.com/

My dinner that night back at the Lynnfield was fantastic! The entire staff treated me like royalty.

Day 1 & 2 - OKC to Scotland

Leave OKC @ 10:25 AM (Saturday) - Arrive Houston @ 11:52 AM

Leave Houston @ 2:30PM - Arrive New York / Newark @ 7:31 PM

Leave New York @ 10:15PM -Arrive in Edinburgh @ 10:00 AM (Sunday)

Leave Edinburgh @ 5:50PM - Arrive in Kirkwall, Scotland @ 7:50PM

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Finally made it to the Orkney Islands!

Wow... it's been a long two days. I ate seafood in Newark and was sick during the entire flight to Edinburgh. It's not a good idea to eat big before an overseas trip.

When we arrived in Edinburgh our cousin Pat met us at the airport and took us to eat lunch in a small town outside of Edinburgh called Cotslin. Afterwards we drove over to Rosslyn Chapel. I was still feeling a bit puny and was not much company, nor interested in taking photos.

They drove me back to the airport and I boarded my flight to Orkney.

After I landed and walked outside of the small airport I soon remembered that Orkney is a place that is never in a hurry. I immediately felt myself winding down to slow motion. I waited about 20 minutes for a cab to come out and pick me up and drive me to the Lynnfield Hotel.

The Restaurant has a whisky theme to its décor, which is appropriate since the hotel is very close to Highland Park distillery.

It has been a very long two days.

Scotland 2009 ...35 Days and Counting!

It's been a rough past few months and I haven't had the time to catch up on Blogger until today. I really shouldn't work so hard... really.

When I checked my calendar this morning I realized we only have 35 days until our Scotland 2009 Tour. This indeed turned my focus around to much brighter thoughts.

The best part so far is that the trip is all inclusive and has been paid since December 2008. Otherwise, I would have been busy cancelling flights and hotel arrangement this week. My company filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy on Monday and my job situation is any one's guess at the moment. It's really troubling to witness the beating that our economy is taking right now, especially for all of us in the Energy Industry.

I'd say without a doubt that this is one vacation that is well deserved and much needed. So, onward we go!