Postcards from Orkney: Isolating and Adventures in Tam the Van

Hello!  

I can’t believe where the last month has gone and so much seems to have happened since I got back from seeing family and friends in England.

I will start with the last few days.  Sadly I had to self isolate at the start of the week which put plans for my parents to spend time with me on Orkney in jeopardy.  Thankfully I found out yesterday that I was negative and my parents were able to get a cancellation on Saturdays ferry. As I type they are driving north from Lincolnshire to Aberdeen.  I didn’t mind so much having to self isolate (I have finished my Habitation Throw which was my advent project with my best friend during my enforced days at home) but was gutted that my Mum and Dad might not be able to get up for their visit.

Another big event was going away for four nights in Tam the Van, touring around the very north of Scotland.  It was my longest solo trip to date in Tam and my first where I stayed somewhere different each night.  It felt both exciting and a little bit scary undertaking such a trip. I drove through some amazing scenery and did lots of walking during the day.  Each evening I relaxed with my crochet blanket wip and took in my new view for the night. 

After catching the ferry to Thurso (close to John O’Groats), I spent a night a short walk from where puffins were nesting.  From Tam I could see Orkney in the distance.  This was followed by a night by a loch where in the end the midges forced me to retreat to the safety of Tam.  My third night was spent on a campsite overlooking a sandy bay.  This was a much needed stop so that I could shower, empty my toilet and refill my drinking water supplies…… camping in Tam is nothing if not glamorous! 

I was sad at this point that my adventure was coming to an end but not before I spent my final night with the local sheep for company and Ben Hope in the distance.  It was such an amazing trip and a wonderful way to explore some places that were new to me.  I can’t wait for the next one! 

I am keeping my fingers crossed for some nice weather while my Mum and Dad are up.  While it never gets really warm here in Orkney, I am hoping for some calm sunny days so that they can for once see Orkney in the sun rather than the wind and grey.  

I am now off to sew in the ends of my throw! 

Take care

Isla