ferry to Shetland

We arrived at the ferry terminal around noon and we couldn't board the ferry until 5:00 (with sailing time at 7:00 PM). We were too tired to walk around toting our rolling suitcase & purse/camera so we just waited there. We were totally exhausted to say the least (7 1/2 hrs of sleep in 3 days started to take its toll). We tried so hard to stay awake. In conversation we couldn't finish sentences and we both fell asleep many times in the middle of talking, which amused us to the point of laughter. So there we were in the ferry waiting area slurring our words, not finishing sentences, eye lids at half-mast, falling asleep before a sentence was complete, laughing - obviously the other people in the waiting area thought the 2 Americans there were punch drunk.

Well, the 5 hr wait felt like about 15 hours but we made it. We boarded the ferry which is very nice, clean, and spacious. Our sleeping cabin is NOT spacious




but it's very nice and to the point - 2 small beds, room to tuck our suitcases in, a tiny bathroom with a sink, toilet, & shower - what else do you need?

We had dinner in the restaurant as soon as they opened



Here's a sign going into the restaurant area:



How polite is that??!!

The North Sea can get pretty rough so they have barf bags all over the place...even in the window of the restaurant




We went out on deck when the ferry pulled out. It was very overcast but still nice to be outside with the fresh sea air...so much better than the plane rides. Here's a view as we left port (Aberdeen)



We went out on deck as the ferry left Aberdeen and while up there, we met a really nice couple from Ireland who had won a contest to go to Shetland and they were very excited about it. Sara took a picture of them so they were happy.

After that we went back to the cabin & we both took badly needed showers. Now taking a shower on a rocking boat is sort of a trick, but when you've had no sleep in 3 days & when the shower base measures 24" by 24", THAT is an extra challenge.



(the shower is on the right) It was like being in a sardine can ricocheting off the walls, but it felt so good to be clean.

Here's Sara trying to keep her balance going down the hall:




Went to bed at 9:00 in full daylight with the curtains wide open with a wonderful view of the gray North Sea. Oh, yes, it's midsummer's night/the summer solstice/simmer dim. I told you I'd explain this later. Well, it will have to be after a good night's sleep. Good night.


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Location:Aberdeen to Lerwick