On to Orkney....

We end our long, winding but beautiful costal drive to Thruso. We stop in at a place called the Park Hotel. The hotel nothing special as far as the look but a great Wi-Fi connection. the girl who check us in was very nice and helpful.
The morning comes and we are off to the Ferry. Arriving at the Ferry, we are told that without a reservation we have to be on standby. This was the first time on the trip, I saw a crack in the stoic, unflappable facade that is Bill. He wanted to get to Orkney. The famous stones, burial grounds, and the Old Man of Hoy awaited him and he was concerned about being denied. I mentioned to Bill that this was the flip side to a trip done on the way without every step planned. Sometimes you can't always get what you want. I told him to wait in the car let me see if I could go bribe someone. I came back about 15 minutes later and said, do no worry about it we will get on.
We wait patiently in the car form about a half-hour. Finally, we get the nod to go ahead and drive the car up the gang plank into the hold the ferry and board. I see relief wash over Bill's face.
We reach port and our hotel is a two minute drive overlooking the harbor. We check in, rest for about two hours then head to the bar where I am writing this entry. This is an old hotel that reminds me of hotels out West all wood, brass and ceiling fixtures of the era. We take a seat in the bar overlooking the harbor. Bill orders 2 single malt scotches and I challenge the bartenders patience and talents by ordering a run connection. I am tried of wine I say to Bill and want the kind of drink that will make me feel that pirates and privateers are ending this cove reading to attack. Here we sit Bill with his single malt, fantazing about visiting Stone Circles abound in his head, me with my drink, thinking of pirates rounding the curve of the coastline, readying for their attack, swords crossed, the clash of steel, women to be protected, fought over and won, yes, the women and the spoils of war...

From the Ferry, Bill is excited as he sees the Old Man Of Hoy off starboard bow. I see the pure joy in his eyes as he gets closer to his beloved Stones...
I am reminded of the speech from Henry V:

"I see you stand like greyhounds in the slips,
Straining upon the start.
Follow your spirit, and upon this charge...."