We spent today exploring the Orkney Islands, when we left the hotel this morning it was pouring down rain. We were headed to the Maeshowe Visitor Center where we were taking a tour to the Cairn. By the time we arrived, it had stopped raining. We checked in and waited for the tour to start. We took a shuttle bus to the parking space near the cairn. We then had a short walk to the cairn. To enter the cairn, you have to bend over and walk bent over quite aways before you get to the center and can then stand up. I decided not to go in, I am claustrophobic, and it is difficult for me to bend down with my knees. I decided to wait outside for Jay. After about 35 minutes, they came back outside, and we walked back to the shuttle bus which took us back to the visitor center.
Next, we drove to the Unstan Chambered Cairn. This is in the middle of a sheep pasture. We looked around, but again, I opted not to go inside. Next, we drove to the Stones of Stenness. This is similar to Stonehenge but not as impressive. You can walk right out and around these stones.
We next drove to the Ring of Brodgar. This is also a bunch of stones standing up in a very large circle. You can walk around these stones. It was very windy and cold. Our next stop was the Skara Brae Historic Village and Skaill House. These Neolithic homes are very well preserved and pre-date the pyramids in Europe. It was very interesting.
Then it was on to the Borch of Gurness, Rendall Doocot and then back to the hotel. we had reservations at 6:30 for dinner in the hotel restaurant. After that we walked to a nearby grocery store for snacks and then back to the hotel. It was a very full day.
