Shetland arrival

The time has simply flown since we arrived in Shetland well over a week ago

The crossing was very smooth and the MV Hjaltland was very smooth indeed. It was even better when we went along to the bar for a pre-meal drink and bumped into Albert and Betty Priest on their way back from a family visit to Guernsey. We were the joined by Paul Spence on his way home to Unst for a family visit, Paul now resides in California. The drinks flowed, the cheeks glowed and all was merry as we reminisced the voyage away late into the night.

We grabbed a few hours sleep before Sumburgh Head loomed through the mist off the port bow.

Lerwick Harbour, looking a little grey on arrival

We spent our second night here, I don't think the residents objected, such a beautiful spot the 'Kirk at Lund' at Westing, Unst

.

Reunited with two old friends that I have not seen since 1976. Albert Priest and the Hamarer Cup.  I had the honour to win this at the Baltasound Regatta once!  Albert's name appears at least four times, including last year when he won it at the ripe young age of 69!

Looking out across from the old harbour at Uyeasound

A view many old RAF guys will remember...top site RAF Saxa Vord with the old Muckle Flugga shore station in the foreground

The most northerly beach in Gt Britain, the 'Wick of Skaw'

The Baltasound Regatta, with a Shetland 'Maid' sailing well on the Friday evening!

The most northerly motorhome in Britain, the other evening at least!

Albacores being sailed in a stiff breeze during the Baltasound Regatta on Saturday. It's wonderful to see these fine dinghies still being sailed on these waters. They were introduced by the RAF way back in 1965. To see them now firmly placed into Shetland history is fantastic and for me to know that I was a part of  it.

It was lovely when Ginny was asked to present the prizes after the sailing. It rounded up off an absolutely brilliant day being part of this on-going tradition once more.  

Uyeasound Voe from the shoreline 

The Unst Boat Haven at Haroldswick.  A wonderful tribute the maritime heritage of this Island.  

'Laughing Water' her days tussling for position long gone.  It's strange to see a boat I sailed with in Unst now in a museum!

Ginny and I at the Uyeasound 'Up Helly Aa' shed.

Top site RAF Saxa Vord...buildings are still here but sadly the soul has now long since departed

All in all...it's been a terrific week, and with Unstfest activities we have hardly had a moment without something or other going on.  I have been reunited with some wonderful friendly folk from all those years ago and have now also made some new friends. We still have not ticked all the boxes for what we want to do whilst still on Unst.  Finally getting the hang of this blogging lark!!!  Please forgive any bloopers as doing it in haste when wifi is available or more to the point, actually working!