Day 4 - Voe (65 km's) - On the Bikes at last !

Our overnight ferry from Aberdeen would normally have tested our gag reflexes with its Nth Sea pitching effect if we weren't feeling so buggered ! 

On arrival at Lerwick we took our time departing the ferry with the captain being a little unimpressed as by the time we presented on the car deck our bikes were the only remaining vehicles on board.

Finally on land and after an hours worth of bike adjustments and a few pre trip arguments we finally hit the road on our 65 km journey to Voe.

The weather at 10 c was apparently about 10c warmer than what it had been in the last week but the winds on this pretty much treeless island were equally fierce !

The good roads and wild and remote scenery provided for some enjoyable cycling (according to me !) with Monika's early feedback indicating that she hadn't had so much fun since childbirth !

After considerable climbing through the wild landscapes we finally descended into Lower Voe right into the middle a Viking celebration of the local bakeries 100th year of operation - what the Vikings have to do with Bakeries is beyond me but i sure as hell wasn't going to risk asking someone carrying a huge sword !

Climbing out of lower Voe into Voe itself by way of a steep hill we set about trying to find our accommodation. Helped by some internet searching owners at the local shop we headed back down the same steep hill once again into Lowe Voe and after asking 2-3 friendly locals we were directed to our unmarked and unattended accommodation - the owner was down with the Vikings !

All " hilled " out and with the local pub standing swill room only, we had to rely on the goodwill of 2 fellow b&bers Simon & Judith who set about providing us a wonderful home made dinner of Shetland Salmon, Asparagus Risotto and a desert of whiskey laced cold porridge mixed with honey - even i found it delicious even though I hate whiskey !

Some local material provided an interesting backdrop to Voe's history which included locals weaving the jumpers that were worn by Hillary and Tensing Norgay on their Everest expedition !

With the hills , the whiskey and a drop or two of jet lag we crashed into bed early trying and failing to theavoid the sun which was still in the sky at 10 p.m. !

For a first day with its relevant trials we felt stuffed but pretty good !