Laplandica

…we were met with grey, wet and windy weather. Behind us were six days of traveling through Sweden, Norway and the ferries necessary to cross the sea between Scandinavia and Scotland. The trip was longer than anticipated, but the weather was neither hot nor rainy and was just perfect for a long drive. Naturally, on our way we stopped at different points of interest. The cathedral of Trondheim was impressive as well as the equally impressive “old town” of Bergen; both with roots in the middle ages.

Photo: Middle Age cathedral of Trondheim, Norway

Photo: Middle Age building in the “Old Town” of Bergen, Norway

It’s sometimes a limited choice of methods offered in getting to places. Having a car, getting from Bergen to Shetland involved using ferry services and we arrived in Scrabster, Scotland with Smyril Lines. It was fun and very comfortable with a two-berth outside cabin. But, perhaps a little too big and too impersonal of a ferry.

It was here that Jeppe (our Jeep) gave me another rise in blood pressure. Having parked him on one of the car decks, I had a problem with the electronic lock. Didn’t matter, I thought. I would look at it later. But, after the cruise when everyone rushed to get cars off the ferry and passengers were anxious to get to shore,I tried to start Jeppe but he wouldn’t start. The vehicle’s starting ability was completely dead.

There is nothing so embarrassing than to have a row of cars behind your’s on a ferry wanting to get off and your car won’t start. The battery was strong. It just didn’t want to start and some 6 crew members were frustratingly trying to help get me and Jeppe out of the way for others to drive off. What was the problem? How could this happen?

One crew member, who was a mechanic on the boat, jumped behind the wheel to steer the car as it was to be pulled off by a forklift truck. He looked down for at the peddles, noticed some wires hanging loose and asked me what all this was? Here, the night before, when I had gotten out of Jeppe, I apparently caught my foot on some cables and pulled them loose at their connector. Quckly, I put these together again and Jeppe immediately started to everyone’s relief!

Photo: Aberdeen harbor is practically in the center of the city

It was nice to return to Scotland. Beautiful country and we had a beautiful morning driving along the northern coastline, through Inverness and towards Aberdeen. Aberdeen was a big place and the Northlink ferry was in the middle of downtown. We walked around Aberdeen while we waited to leave for Shetland that evening. I would hightly recommend Northlink! It was comfortable, friendly and great personal service from the crew, which Brita and I felt immediately welcomed with a homey feeling.

Getting to Shetland was a good feeling. This place is completely and excitingly different with really friendly people and a laid-back attitude. In spite of the weather, our arrival day was spent driving to our rented house, unloading Jeppe, buying food at the grocery store in Lerwick and talking with our wonderful landlord.

Our first full day was quiet and peaceful. The morning broke apart the fog and the rain stopped. The weather turned into summer and will seem to be this way the coming 2-4 days. We continue to discover Shetland….

Photo: Relaxing outside our house- first full day on Shetland