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 of the cairn. By the time we arrived, the rain had stopped.
We checked in and waited for the tour to begin. We took a shuttle bus to the parking area near the cairn and then had a short walk to the site. To enter the cairn, you have to bend over and walk hunched down for quite a distance before reaching the center, where you can finally stand up. I decided not to go inside because I am claustrophobic, and it is difficult for me to bend down because of my knees. Instead, I waited outside for Jay. After about 35 minutes, the group came back outside, and we walked back to the shuttle bus, which took us to the visitor center.
Next, we drove to the Unstan Chambered Cairn. It is located in the middle of a sheep pasture. We looked around, but again, I chose not to go inside.
Next, we drove to the Stones of Stenness. It is similar to Stonehenge, but not quite as impressive. You can walk right up to and around the stones.
We then drove to the Ring of Brodgar. This is another large circle of standing stones, and you can walk all around them. It was very windy and cold.
Our next stop was Skara Brae and Skaill House. These Neolithic homes are very well preserved and predate the pyramids in Europe. It was very interesting.
Then it was on to the Broch of Gurness and the Rendall Doocot before heading back to the hotel.
We had dinner reservations at 6:30 in the hotel restaurant. After dinner, we walked to a nearby grocery store for snacks and then returned to the hotel. It was a very full day.
