Land of the Sea

Tucked away between Scotland and Norway, surrounded by the North Atlantic Ocean to the west, the North Sea to the east, and the Norwegian Sea to the north, Shetland is an absolute breath of fresh air, literally. Having just spent 4 days with our friend Ruth, in her mum's family home in Scatness, at the very southern tip of the mainland isle (Sumburgh Head), I'm finding myself at a loss for words, words to describe the beauty and serenity of this seaside hideaway. It's a place where nature is alive, thriving, and completely unbridled. The sea crashes into every cliff-side crevice around the island, while simultaneously rolling onto sandy bay beaches, and showering the air with a salty spray. The wind runs completely wild, gale force at times, whipping, pushing, and pulling anything and everything in its path. The sun pokes through at its own will, casting shadows on the sea and cliffs, rising and setting over drastic and expansive landscapes. The mainland's one two-lane highway is furnished on both sides with small villages, roaming livestock with the sea at their backs, and rolling green hills, dotted with artisan knitting shops and ancient stone architecture. Shetland is a place with deeply rich stories to tell, boasting generations of hard-working fishermen, knitters, and farmers, speaking in Shetland tongue; its tightly-knit communities are modest and simple, yet full of pride, and rightfully so. It really is a sight to behold, with all the senses.

We spent our four days, over Brandina's birthday, indulging in a modern Little House on the Prairie lifestyle. We cooked lavish breakfasts and dinners - all with locally grown food - took a daily walk or hike equipped with waterproofs and wellies, and drank excessive amounts of tea. We chatted, read, played Scrabble, completed a 1,000 piece puzzle, carved pumpkins, and sang aloud to an old Drifters CD (well, Ruth and I sang...Bryan just watched and chuckled a bit). Huddled inside by about 4 pm each day, we listened to the nightly storm rage outside, pummeling down with rain and wind, clearing by morning and allowing a bit of sun to grace our leisurely breakfast routine. We even ventured into the town of Lerwick one day, popping in and out of small, crafty shops, touring the Shetland Museum, and taking the opportunity to photograph all sites along the way - in particular, the short and stocky Shetland ponies. Even with hundreds of photographs to show, I fear that we've hardly done justice to this breath-taking place....

Views from the House

At the Lighthouse
(some photos displayed purely as evidence of the wind!)

Our trip up North to Lerwick

Hiking out to St. Ninian's Isle
(a tiny island physically connected to the mainland isle
by a natural stretch of sand, called a tombolo)

An Overcast Beach Walk along the Bay

Hike out to Ness of Burgi
(a walk straight down from the house,
alongside and towards the sea)

We'd just like to express a massive, heart-felt thank you to Ruth and her Mum, for inviting us to share in this family tradition of rejuvenating, wholesome holidays in Shetland. Thank you thank you thank you!

-B&B

"Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience." ~Ralph Waldo Emerson