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Photography Group- Eday Bonanza Trip
by Unknown - 11:02 on 11 July 2013
Twelve members collected on the pier at Kirkwall for the trip to Eday on a rather overcast day but with little wind and no rain forecast. We were met in Eday by Jenny Campbell, the very efficient Ranger .We were then whisked to the old grave yard where some speclacular stones were covered in Lichens to such a degree one couldn't read them. Seals and birds were swimming offshore and one could hear them calling as there was no wind.Then off to the Bay of London and a group photo at London Airport (Terminal 1) .Lots of wild plants to see on the way down to the beach including Gentian and crowberries ,the latter of which were swallowed by one member but not before photos were taken ! Down on the water a Great Northern Diver was spotted in the distance and the old road reaching across the bay provided a rich source of reflections.
On then to the to the Submarine. Some had thought the leader was joking but found that a working replica Sub was in the old school. The Control Room, Radar room ,Radio room ,Electric engine room ,Crew quarters and escape hatch , made from Navy surplus, gave a very real view of what a dark and cramped life being under the sea was. Many thanks to Mike for his tour of the love of his life .
On then to the Stone of Setter for lunch in a watery sun followed by a close examination of the inscriptions done in antiquity on the stone.(one TW was discernible but I am not that old !) A quick view of the Loch showed Red Throated Divers but rather a lot of Grey lags too.
We then visited Carrick house and were given a tour by Mrs Joy the owner and what a tour ! She kept us spellbound for 90 mins about the ancient and modern history of the house and the beautiful gardens ,their travails in the Great Storm of 1953 and the antics of Pirate Gow .We saw the blood stain in the Drawing room which has now been proved to be blood and not a red wine stain. She showed us every room in the house including her bedroom (not sure I would have done that).My favourite was the play room with its music box and ancient dolly's pram. A tour de force in every way from a lady who obviously loves Eday and Orkney.
We then went off to the Heritage Centre for a cup of tea and cakes made by our ultra efficient Ranger .It was just what we needed before the long journey home on the boat as it had to call by Stronsay on the way back.
So a lovely day made more so by the help an knowledge of the ranger . A very big thank you to her. She has indicated she is happy to arrange trip for other groups in the U3A so it you think others might like to go get hold of her soon as Mrs Joy goes home after the summer and the house will not be open to visitors then.
All in all a wonderful day out and remarkably inexpensive.I am sorry for all those who missed it ,you missed a real goodie.
The date of the next meeting is not yet set but we think we will try to go to Sanday for the day.We will miss out Show week and the day of the week will depend on Rod Thorne .I will get back to you on the plans and options.
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