October 2023

16th October – Halfway through October and this is my first post of the month. Mostly the weather has been appalling and we’ve not ventured out much. But there’s no rain today and the wind has eased (a bit). Decided to do a Shorewatch, the first since June. I didn’t see anything but it was good to get out.

Went for a quick walk and to post a letter and spotted this little seal pulled out on a rock in front of the double cottages. Not sure how it gets on to this rock, unless he waits for the tide.

19th October – As Storm Babet passes by it is getting a bit breezy. We probably won’t venture far today. Although the wind on the Stromness peninsula will hit 70mph we’re not expecting the heavy rain until Saturday.

21st October – Torrential rain all day long. Possibly the most rain in a single day since we moved here. This about sums it up:

22nd October – After the deluge, a bright spell with the customary rainbow. We even managed to hang some washing out without worrying that it would end up in Shetland.

23rd October – I try to avoid using other peoples photos here but I think this is worth breaking that rule. Roger Houghton was visiting Baikies Stores in Finstown and spotted some waxwings in the bushes. This is an exceptional photo.

It’s been a brighter day today with very little wind, so the Royal Mail are able to get their drone in operation from the golf course to Graemsay and Hoy.

It seems such a lightweight and flimsy thing for the crossing but it looks like the postmen have faith in it.

29th October – The storms haven’t let up throughout October. Outdoor activities have been severely curtailed. This is the view from our window last night.

A high tide and 40mph southeasterly winds driving the waves up and across the road. There is no sign of this easing before next Thursday.