Weekend Update – Shetland!

Some of Friday was spent doing jobs and then went into the town for the first time since moving here. Booked a hair appointment for July. Went into the Tourist Information Centre and purchased a book called "Shetland Words" A dictionary  of the Shetland dialect by A & A Christie-Johnston, which will be both useful and very interesting. Picked up some freebie leaflets and then walked along to the end of the street to remind myself what shops are here. Everything I need really, BOOTS chemist, Specsavers, an outdoor wear shop, post office, camera shop, shoe shop and quality tourist shops – all listed here. M&Co have closed though and everyone is waiting to see who is going to take over this building, maybe M&S or a TK Max?!

Saturday was spent trying to adapt and change all my settings on my Canon R5 via this Youtube video. Rained all day. Saturday night was awful as the toilet wouldn't flush – why does this happen at the weekend when there isn't anyone available to sort it?! I won't bore you with the long and tedious story, but after phoning the hospital reception, someone came out on Sunday morning, but said it was an "external job" and the plumbing team would come over first thing Monday morning. So I have had to walk to the hospital to use their toilets, which has been very, very frustrating indeed!

This afternoon I went to Helendale, which is next to Clickimin Loch to look for the Wood Warbler. Found a female Blackcap in someone's garden, but no sign of the Wood Warbler. So pretty here, lots of trees, bluebells and fascinating plants and shrubs. A Sand Martin flew over Clickimin Loch. I then headed north west to "Da Gairdins" at Sand, Bixter. These gardens are absolutely magical, a real oasis. I had heard about these, but never got round to visiting on my previous trips. I will definitely be coming back here – several ponds with Gunnera plants, tadpoles, rhododendrons and so many fascinating trees, plants and shrubs. A Willow Warbler was singing here, also Robin, Collared Doves x 2 and Blackbirds. These gardens overlook "Sand Beach" which I visited afterwards – a stunning spot. Arctic Terns here, along with Red-breasted Mergansers x 4, Great Northern Diver, one Dunlin, 2 Ringed Plover, Wren and Oystercatchers. I stood here for ages, just taking in the magnificent views – still can't believe I'm here. Several Wheatears on route throughout the afternoon.

Went to look at a house for sale in the Aith/Bixter region, which is only a few hundred yards from the Cake Fridge. I just drove past the house, as wanted to know where it was exactly. A very pretty area indeed. Shetland ponies and foals, lots of goats and Spring flowers made an idyllic scene. Purchased lemon and coconut slices x 2 and a box of eggs from the Cake Fridge and then headed home. The house I looked at was 22 miles from my house and too far north for work really. It was such a beautiful day and was too warm to be wearing a coat. Its not getting dark until so much later now. Sunrise is 4.10am and sunset is 21.52.

PICTURES TO BE ADDED