The weather was so good in the early part of the week that I managed to get out and walk a few times and took loads of pics. Then I had the struggle of which ones to share so I’ve narrowed it down to a few of my favourites.
Monday we took a walk up to the Kitchener Memorial up this long and narrow path. I love this picture, it reminds me that sometimes we just have to keep walking even though we can’t see the finish line.

When we reached the top of this path I turned round and took a picture facing the other way. Our red car is parked right at the bottom.

When we reached the top, the dog had to be put firmly on the lead much to her disgust. But there are hundreds of rabbits around and it is just too close to the cliff edge for her to take a run. The views are incredible though.


The Kitchener memorial was built by the people of Orkney, in memory of Lord Kitchener and crew who went down with H.M.S Hampshire when she sank a mile off the coast seen here. For the 100 year anniversary in June of this year, there was a memorial service attended by many descendants of the lost, royalty and high ranking Navy officers. A commemorative wall was unveiled giving the names of all the men who perished. Of the 749 who left Orkney, only 12 survived. To visit this spot set high up on the cliffs and read the names is a humbling experience.
Pictured is the memorial and one with Orkney Beef standing next to it to give you an idea of the height.

There were beautiful red sunsets to end the day and Orkney was forgiven of all its fierce storms the week before.


The early mornings were equally beautiful but the kye remained hesitant (if it’s true that they sit down for impending rain) The one on the right only stood up to enquire what the lady was doing taking photographs in her pyjamas from her garden.

I work in a building right at the pier-head so I’m lucky enough to see boats coming and going through the day. There was even a tall ship in on Tuesday. I never take where I live for granted, I can’t imagine living away from the sea now.
Another walk and another sunset. If you look closely you will see someone down on the rocks filming the waves.
I had the loveliest of days with a dear friend of mine on Friday and she gave me this mug. I absolutely love it as I am very fond of snowdrops. At the end of a long winter they are the first sign of life and hope; I also find them symbolic of hope in the winters of our lives too. It’s my new writing mascot as I have a book inside me that won’t go away and this is fitting. I’m lucky to have beautiful and caring friends and I thank God for them; and for the hope the first snow drops bring, what ever month they arrive in.

Have a great week everyone.
Dear Sarah. I’m overwhelmed to say so by the beauty of these photos, what a wonderful place it is where you live, specially when there is sunshine. Thanks so so much for sharing your walk with us! For me it feels like I had been there too somehow. Well… that book inside of you… Honestly: I cannot wait! Sending all my best wishes to Orkney, Arletta
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Thank you so much for saying Arletta. It most certainly is a beautiful place to live. Having spent most of my life in or near the city I really appreciate the wide open spaces. I’ll keep working on the book! Sarah
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Hi Sarah – another lovely blog, and I am pleased you enjoyed your visit to the Kitchener Memorial and the HMS Hampshire wall. To correct one figure, if I may, 737 men were lost with the Hampshire and, as you say, just 12 survived. Many books and internet sites quote lower figures but – as part of the Orkney Heritage Society project to restore the tower and build the wall – research was done to arrive at a correct figure (http://hmshampshire.org/). Love and best wishes, Graham
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Hi Graham thanks for that wee note. I’ve updated it now, I appreciate you telling me. Was it you who went to the top? I know someone did. That would have been an incredible view I’m jealous! Sarah
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Thanks for that Sarah. Yes I did go to the top on the day after the centenary. Fantastic views but I wouldn’t want to repeat the journey up and down. Waving again! Graham
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Thanks for that Sarah. Yes I went up the day after the centenary. Great views but I wouldn’t want to repeat the journey up and down. Waving again! Graham
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Oops! Replied twice there, we’ve been having some internet problems.
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It comes with the territory I’m afraid. We must be punished for living in such a beautiful place and dodgy internet is it.
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