BRAE

 We are still on Shetland and it’s a wonderful place. More Nordic than Scottish, as the Vikings had a big presence here. We are now snuggled in our hotel in Brae. The ONLY hotel in a town of 850 people. A throwback to early days where everyone knows everyone, no one locks their doors and there are many crofting farms and lots of sheep. In fact, more sheep than any other country I have ever seen. Interestingly enough, we rarely see lamb on any Menu…mostly seafood. The mussels are fresh and plentiful, and I have eaten them a lot. Yesterday we toured with a local guide and visited a Shetland pony farm, and sheltie dog raiser, and of course more sheep. We saw the biggest lighthouse on Shetland, Sunburgh, and an old Viking settlement called Jarlsof. We also were joined by a local border and saw seabirds.

Today, Steve and I are going hiking on the Eshaness Cliffs on an exposed headland. It rained all night, but the sun is actually out and I hope it stays. Weather has been a challenge on this trip. We were prepared, but it changes so quickly and literally carry 3 coats in a bag each day.