I have heard Orkney described as "the place between the wind and the water". This archipelago of more than 50 islands may be just that.Orkney is located off the northeast coast of Scotland, and was settled by the Northmen. This is different from the western islands we visited the last few years which were settled by the Gaels and Celts. Orkney's history and archaeological sites are different; the grave cairns are built differently, their stone circles predate Stonehenge in southern England by 500 years, and their language and folk tales bear a resemblance to their ancestors from the north.
We will spend most of our time on Mainland, the biggest island, with ferry trips planned to Rousay, Egilsay, Wyre and Eynhallow.
We have just 23 days until we head out.
In this time of the COVID-19 outbreak, however, we aren't certain we will actually make it to the UK. Already our Aer Lingus flight was cancelled and rescheduled; our Logan Air flight changed twice; and now Delta is "cutting back" flights. With so many connections to make both here and abroad, I wonder if we will be able to travel.
Ah, well. I am the eternal optimist, so I am acting like we will be fine and our trip is not in jeopardy.