Staying in a self-catering place that has hundreds of years of history- a barn built in the Eighteenth Century sitting atop buildings built much earlier, possibly a monastery- a barn that has had variety of uses over the years, including housing some of the seals recovering from the Braer oil spill in 1993...
Getting things I need at a local shop which is a short beach walk away and occasional bus trips into town...
Quitting my job and not actively pursuing employment...
Exploring activities I love, especially those that don't fit into a work week...
I'm glad I found a way to make it happen. And while I will be returning to the workforce, there are aspects of the my life from the two months that I intend to carry on.
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| Hillswick. See the white house (Old Manse) on the ness (peninsula) - looks like it is on the left end of the beach? I was staying in a stone building just to the left of it. |
How did I fill my time?
Walked the hills, beaches, cliffs. Spending time at the wildlife sanctuary. Got to know some of the folks here and the history of the place. Observed wildlife. Beach-combed. Learned about the community. Saw some of the traditions and older ways of life. Painted a house. Enjoyed a peat fire (finally!). Read. Created with locally made yarn. Wrote. Was awestruck by the Northern Lights. Took midnight walks under the stars and listened to the seals. Learned the wind speed when it starts to become uncomfortable to walk in it for hours or too near the cliffs. Watched the transition into Spring and was amazed at how quickly the days got longer (gaining 5.5 minutes of light each day). Enjoyed local treats. (a bit too much...which leads to) Did Les Mills BodyCombat workouts in my sitting room. Watched the Olympics, movies, Voice UK, and the Shetland series online.
Spent a day weaving on a beautiful loom...
Enjoyed the quiet.
Let the sound of the ocean wash over me.
Lived in the moment.
Reveled in being spontaneous.
The result...I have never felt more free in my life.
Walked the hills, beaches, cliffs. Spending time at the wildlife sanctuary. Got to know some of the folks here and the history of the place. Observed wildlife. Beach-combed. Learned about the community. Saw some of the traditions and older ways of life. Painted a house. Enjoyed a peat fire (finally!). Read. Created with locally made yarn. Wrote. Was awestruck by the Northern Lights. Took midnight walks under the stars and listened to the seals. Learned the wind speed when it starts to become uncomfortable to walk in it for hours or too near the cliffs. Watched the transition into Spring and was amazed at how quickly the days got longer (gaining 5.5 minutes of light each day). Enjoyed local treats. (a bit too much...which leads to) Did Les Mills BodyCombat workouts in my sitting room. Watched the Olympics, movies, Voice UK, and the Shetland series online.
Enjoyed the quiet.
Let the sound of the ocean wash over me.
Lived in the moment.
Reveled in being spontaneous.
The result...I have never felt more free in my life.
It has been a privilege to learn more about this corner of the Earth. I am touched with how welcome I felt and how generous folks are to each other (and me). I have a lot to learn about observing wildlife unobtrusively. While I did quite well with the seals, I only caught a fleeting glimpse of an otter a few times. I set off a tremendous amount of Oystercatcher alarms. Sent the white hare running twice. The great thing is that I had the time to learn the area and with that, it makes it much easier to position yourself to not disturb. And I did not pursue. I respect that this is their home and they don't need me moving in to their comfort zone.
Here are two videos I took during my walks to give some idea of the place where I stayed. Look for a large white house at the start and end of the videos. I was staying in a stone building to the side and slightly behind it.
Hillswick from hills to the east near Urafirth
Hillswick from the west towards Eshaness
To view the photos from my stay- Photos
Even knowing that this type of experience would suit me, I would not have set this in motion if I had known I would be without a car. What a mistake that would have been!!! Maybe I am too used to living in places where it is difficult to get by without a car. There were homes about, local shop, and a hotel just down the road. On the day I arrived, I was apprehensive. By the evening, I knew I would be happy. That overall, it was even better not having a car (for a few months). Cars can isolate you. I wouldn't have met some people. I wouldn't have spent as much time in this area. I would have spent quite a bit more money. I wouldn't have breathed the place in as deeply as I did.
In the past, I have felt overwhelmed when coming back into Glasgow after stays in the Shetland and Highlands. Weirdly, I didn't this time. But my heart is not really into being back in the city. Even silly things like the lack of a good wind gust.
Shetland is a very special place.
What is next for me? I'll be in touch.
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