Time flew on to the 19th Century (Monday – Saturday 2 Part 5)

After bidding Gurness goodbye we headed up the hill and over the island to Dounby and down to the Corrigall farming museum. What, another? Why, yes! and why not?

It was so good to be on top of a hill, albeit a small one. We stopped at the RSPB Birsay Moors interpretation point to admire the view. Due to the dogs we could not wander about.

Brunhilde at Birsay Moors
Brunhilde at Birsay Moors

We had some problems with our tourist map but managed to find Corrigall anyway. I see that Google maps has it in the wrong place too – but this one is right.


View Larger Map

Like Kirbuster, Corrigall is well kept and is staffed by a helpful and friendly Custodian. Unlike Kirbuster, Corrigall dates to a much later point in history – the buildings originate in the 18th century but the room settings are 19th Century, if the www is to be believed.

Corrigall
Corrigall

In addition to the Custodian, we had a friendly cat to show us around and also an even more friendly chicken. Unlike Kirbuster, Corrigall has livestock – and is adjacent to a working farm.

Friendly cat
Friendly cat
Friendly Chicken
Friendly Chicken
Livestock on site
Livestock on site

Once again there was much to point my lens at

Detail from door
Detail from door
Room setting with Orkney chairs
Room setting with Orkney chairs

Corrigall does not seem to have been set with the same care as Kirbuster. The fibrecraft equipment, for instance, was scattered about the house. There was an old wheel and an older one and also a loom, and there were carders in the larder!

A very old spinning wheel
A very old spinning wheel
and an old loom
and an old loom

but there were homely touches too

Mirror view
Mirror view
Griddle on the fire
Griddle on the fire – note the bannock

After taking our leave of Corrigall, we popped into see the Harray Potter, who was out. An attempt on the picnic site by the Loch of Harray was stymied, so we headed back to town and reality… picking up the car from the garage and doing some freezer shopping before catching the ferry home.

We had a cracking time and the weather could not have been better for our first adventure.

Since our arrival home we have been working the bugs out of the camper van, emptying and cleaning it, and fitting one more door and a bedroom window. It has taken some considerable time to identify parts for the van and to find vendors able to post parts to us.

Leaks on the fresh and grey water systems on the van are now repaired and a new waste valve fitted. We await delivery of some door catches, a new leisure battery and a new water pump. With those fitted, we should be fit for a second trip in a couple of weeks. Next time, East Mainland. We also need to sort out automated feeding for the chooks and perhaps find a larger feeder for the cats so that we can stay away longer.

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