My brother Jack is the reason I’m in the Orkney Islands,north of the main part of Scotland.
The last time I spoke to him in person, he mentioned that the Orkney Islands was a place he would like to see. He died before seeing it.
So, my birthday is coming up…Aug. 22, and I started thinking about what I would do to honor my 75 years on this big ship called earth.
I’m going to be in Scotland, why not see the Orkney’s as long as I’m in the vicinity and while celebrating my birthday, I’ll honor my brothers memory at the same time.
From what I have seen so far I know I could be happy here forever. It’s been an awesome stay, and there’s so much more to come. You’ll just have to keep an eye out for the adventures, for there is something unique coming up on Saturday.
The Orkney Islands have become key players in the first marine energy park. When I was on the ferry coming to Stromness, I met Tim Christie, who kept me interested in his work as a government media person to record the project that uses tidal waves for energy. Tim explained that energy comes from waves and tides and can generate power.
He told me about a prize offering called the Saltire prize. It is a prize of a ten million pounds award that will encourage revolutionary commercial breakthroughs in wave and tidal energy. It gives me reason to believe that Scotland is ahead of other countries in innovating projects to provide energy.
His job will take him to the EMEC (Europe Marine Energy Center) where a group of partners (Countries and Companies) work together on projects to deliver energy to communities.
Back to my brother Jack. Every time I learn something more about the Orkneys, I believe I know why he wanted to see it.
He was a rugged mountain man, a surveyor who walked miles and miles measuring property, and enjoyed the outdoors. Outdoors in these islands would keep someone interested for years, as there are structures that date back to 5,000 years, and other structures up to present day that I’m sure Jack would love to see.
It’s amazing to see miles of green pastures and copious cattle and sheep grazing in their lush food. Fences are either as they are in the western United States with wooden fence posts and wire extended between them. Or there are fences with stones of slate. Slate is used everywhere, as well: on the roofs, on the sidewalks and inside homes.
There is a lot of fresh and sea water, with opportunities to fish. Jack would have loved to fish for trout in the fresh water lakes, as fish are plentiful and get this: you can fish for free to your hearts content. Now, Jack would have loved that.
As stated before, a slice of generational pie puts Jack and me in Scotland somewhere, and it’s amazing how I do feel at home on the islands. Maybe it has something to do with having him on my mind.
I think this is a wonderful and amazing tribute to your brother, and to celebrating your 75th year. I can put hand on heart and say you don’t look or act 75! You have the heart and soul, and visage, of a very young woman. Long may you remain that way!
Wow, thank you Kemberlee.
All credit to you and your late brother. It’s a tribute to his memory that you have found your traveling wings and what a great place they’ve taken you to. Enjoy your stay and know he would be happy for you.
Thank you Miriam.
Laureen, I’m sure Jack is with you as you experience the Orkney Islands.
xoxo,
Sumi
Thank you Sumi!!!!!!
What a wonderful story…thanks! Safe journey!
Thanks for reading Becky.
Your brother was a great man with an incredible spirit. His personnality commanded atention. I hope that he got good use out of the Porche i gacwe Dad and ultimately eneded up with him The Porche had some interresting stories behind it also .I know you of all remember quite well the “Nose” in the desert who helped fix it. I havn’t visited the bolg in a while but when I do it makes me feel good. I have been busy with Life Sciences and some Foreign Trade Zone stuff I am working on.
Have a great birthday Laureen. I love you and miss you. Hello from Barbie.
Thank you Bill!
Great story I’m sure Uncle Jack would have loved it!!!
Glad you liked it. I’m having some problems posting photos. I think it has to do with the remote place where I am. If you get a map out, you’ll see I’m on the Island that is the furthest one on the Orkney Islands in Scotland.
I went to google earth. Glad your are enjoying your time:)
It was great to meet you on the ferry Laureen and hear about your journey across the globe. It was an inspiration to listen to you and I wish you well on the rest of your travels. Enjoy Orkney and it looks like you made it to Papa Westray!.
Thank you Tim. I wrote a bit about you on an earlier blog. I hope it all went real well for you! I read a bit about the project in the local paper.