Nautica - 19th August 2013 Lerwick, Shetlands

I woke up at 6.45 as we wanted to be up and out early. Had breakfast and then got the 9am free shuttle from the container dock (Holmsgarth) into Lerwick. Just after breakfast there was a torrential rain shower so it was not looking good, but after that it cleared dramatically and the sun came out making a nice day in the end.  It was interesting to watch the crew of the oil rig supply ship berthed behind us go up onto their helipad to take photos of Nautica! As we went into the Tourist Information Centre we saw an advert for a boat trip –  a cruise ship special (2 hours instead of their normal 3), so decided to start with that. As it was leaving shortly we went straight to Victoria Pier and boarded the Galathea.

Another couple were booking at the pier so we started with four and then two more turned up. Four of us were from Nautica and another couple who were holidaying there. We started with a sail round the harbour looking at the buildings (and a female seal who popped her head to look at us!), before setting off through the main channel up to some holms with more seals.

We saw terns, common and grey seals, an Arctic Skua, cormorants, shags, eider drakes, guillemots, ravens and lots of gannets fishing. Later they sent down an ROV and set up a TV screen so we could see what was under the boat. Robbie was a marine biologist and explained things in detail. 

 

Arthur Anderson's Home for widows

 

We were then dropped off back at the pier and set off walking round the headland, past Arthur Anderson’s home for widows and high school. Anderson of course was one of the founders of the Peninsular & Oriental Steamship Company so I had a vested interest in seeing these buildings! My friend then continued in that direction while I headed back into town. There were lovely scenes along the waterfront – clear turquoise water, golden sandy beaches.

 

We met up again and we had a drink and cupcake before some more browsing in shops (beautiful yarns and knitwear) then I came back to the ship. I changed, did my nails and rested until Caryll joined me. We went to the Trivia Quiz and joined with another team - the Bruins (UCLA). Since they were all American, we were welcomed for our UK knowledge! We came joint second so I got my first 2 Big O points! Then it was time to go back down to the cabin to wash and change for the dinner we had booked in the Polo Grill. We had drink in Martinis, then joined an Australian couple in Polo Grill for crab cake with mustard sauce, Mahi Mahi and crème brulee.  Bed as clocks going forward an hour tonight.