The rocking and rolling continued for several hours but seemed to ease off around lunchtime as we were approaching the Orkneys.

Ever optimistic, we gathered our things and headed for the theatre to register for the tour we’d booked for this afternoon. We knew the pilot was on board and was working with the Captain to identify the safest place to anchor offshore but half an hour or so later, the announcement was made. It simply wasn’t safe to launch tenders given the swell and the height of the waves.

Our call into Kirkwall was cancelled.

There was a collective sigh of disappointment of course, but after the weather conditions of the last day the news was hardly surprising. We took our stuff back to our suite, changed back into our indoor things and reviewed our afternoon plans, hoping the Captain’s optimistic weather forecast was accurate: things were looking more hopeful as we sailed north.

Waking to calmer seas this morning came as a relief then, as did opening the curtains to find the sight of land outside our window.

We are docked in Torshavn, capital of the Faroe Islands and all is well! We have the company of a small, elegantly dressed ship whose name we can’t see right now (PS see below)

and a rather larger companion on the other side of the pier.

Looking around at the view from our verandah, Torshavn looks interesting and I’m looking forward to getting out and about and seeing a little bit more of the Faroes.

One thing just occurred to me though. I think it might be a couple of weeks before we see another tree. Except for the Fevertree, as butler Glen just reminded me!! (I think he’s got my measure!)

PS Regarding the “elegant yacht” above, as we went past it just now, we noticed the uniformed naval staff on board and the name, Norge. Sure enough, a quick check confirms that it’s the Norwegian Royal Yacht. We keep good company, don’t we?