Condensed thoughts/comments on recent discussion -- on ferries The Hamnavoe was impressive. More posh than I expected, but I certainly wouldn't complain about that--though a little less could have probably been as good, it certainly makes a positive impression as a major entryway to Orkney. On a beautiful midsummer day most everyone was outside. The majority of visitors probably take that route for the view, but I'm sure in worse weather there are many making use of the inside facilities. People who travel that way often for work or family connections surely appreciate a place to be comfortable and a choice of food and drink. The smaller ferry to Westray was quite a change. As long as I got there safely, I wasn't overly concerned about conveniences and appearances, but a little makeover would do nicely. The most uncomfortable bit was the climb up the narrow steps, didn't seem to far in the morning, but after a day with a lot of walking it looked a long way up. To enjoy the view and see the relationship of the islands we were passing involved climbing back down to a rather small, and crowded if many were interested, area, or standing up and leaning over a bench to look out some small windows. There were two women from Kirkwall taking a friend from Edinburgh on a day out. One had married a man from Westray and was anxious to point out sites along the way, but had trouble finding a good view to do so. She was rather apologetic about the environment and talked wistfully about her hopes that they would someday have a nice new boat. I didn't find ferry or bus schedules difficult to read. Just takes a little time to piece together the possibilities. A map showing ferry points and actual bus routes (with the name of the road) instead of just listing the main stopping points would be helpful to those using public transport. The buses are great about letting you off or picking you up along the way, but it's hard to tell from the schedule map exactly where that is in some areas. There are still places I haven't been as I couldn't tell if I'd ever get back. I know some people just go and worry about returning when they are ready, but I don't function that way. (No that was not me calling for rescue from the Brough of Birsay. I checked the times carefully. If I had got stranded I'd have spent the night and hoped no one ever found out.) The sooner the next year's schedules come out the better. When I was looking for this summer's early last year everyone kept telling me to just wait, it's early. That may be, but if your trying to work out where you are staying, taking tours, etc., you have to know when and how you can get from point A to point B. If you want a room in June, now is not too early to book. But then you have to know when you'll get there and if that involves two planes, two trains, two buses and a boat, the sooner you have schedules available the better. Even then, of course, you have to have Plan B to allow for delays, but you need a place to start. on "A few more laybys where visitors can stop and take photographs would be nice, and a few more litter bins beside them.--" Well, if we're making a wish list, walking paths with benches to sit on and trail markers of signs with maps showing the location of publics WC's along the way---a pub at the end of each trail.... Ok, OK, thoughts not as condensed as I promised. I'll stop. Have to go find out what this Wicker Man is about. I learn the most amazing things from you people. Karen ************************************** See what's new at http://www.aol.com