Heading to 60° North

I have said goodbye to Glasgow to pursue my dream of living in a more remote environment. Of the many lovely places in Scotland, Shetland tops my list. When an opportunity popped up, I jumped. For weeks after moving, it felt like a holiday even as I tackled a new job. It feels a bit more real now.  In many ways, this move is like my move to Scotland. I am moving into a new environment and there are many reasons why it may not work. So thankful for the opportunity and we will see how it goes!

In preparation for the move, I purchased my first car in the UK. Packed up my car and made the journey north. 3+ hour drive to Aberdeen serenading my house plants in the passenger seat (plants not wearing a seat belt...ssh). Navigating the obstacle course of shipping containers and ramps to park my car in the depths of the ferry. 11+ hour overnight ferry ride to Lerwick. Something always causes me to wake up about 5:30am on the ferry...just enough time to enjoy the view of Shetland as it makes it way up to the harbour in Lerwick. My first week I bounced around various accommodations, including a few nights camping. I forgot how much I love sleeping in the outdoors.

My current accommodation is a lovely 100+ year old house overlooking the water (which is not difficult in Shetland as you rarely far from the ocean or lochs). Views of the sunsets and auroras (aka Mirrie Dancers). Resident seals that play in the voe and laze on the rocks. And today, an otter scampering along the shore! Mesmerized by the clouds. Watching the constantly changing light on the hills and voe for hours.

No question it is a special place. It is the first time I have lived in a place that reminds me of the beautiful home where I grew up...except replace the water with forest and the seals with deer. It is living so much closer to nature, like waking up to birdsong or rain on the roof and being able to walk outside at night to stare at the stars.

Life has been too busy since moving. My own fault. So much I want to enjoy in this place. Working on telling myself to take a deep breath and enjoy! Perhaps I should  take it easy and go stand in the muck with these beauties!