SIB Expedition 2003 - Orkney

[Richard B]

Originally posted by Keith Hart
Pepper and Geoff, can you send your photos to me please...

Keith & co... have a look under this thread (3rd photo):
http://rib.net/forum/showthread.php?...+SIB+BIG+smile

(And for Geoff, look at some of the photos under http://rib.net/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1155 )

[geoff]

How's this for a picture. Taken off Ardnamurchan two years ago.

[Mike Garside]

Originally posted by narked
Yeah I'm aware of the diving on offer up there. Any other qualified divers going up? Maybe we could have a dive or two while we're there!

That's well to the forefront of my mind, too, Matt. Di and I will take our rigs, I'm sure. I've heard that diving at Scapa Flow is pretty impressive.

[Richard B]

Originally posted by geoff
How's this for a picture...

Excellent picture, Geoff.

[Keith Hart]

Yes, a fantastic photo Geoff. It shows exactly why I love the Scottish Highlands. Thanks. Now you are in the gallery.

Keith (invasion of Orkney) Hart

[Keith Hart]

Here is a description of The Pentland Firth, found on the internet:

Probably the best way to experience the Pentland Firth is by taking a boat trip; either one of the wildlife tours on offer or by crossing over to Orkney by ferry.

The 10 knot tide passing through the Firth can be distorted out of all recognition by the effect of the many islands, reefs and the sea bed slopes resulting in eddies, outfalls and reefs of tremendous power.

This is one of the wildest stretches of sea around the British Isles and its turbulent humour can be seen in the swirling waters at the bores of Duncansby and the Merry Men of Mey.

Within the Firth are numerous islands and skerries, some once populated. Stroma (the island in the stream) was once inhabited by communities of crofters and fishermen but is now uninhabited. The line of houses can be seen clearly on the skyline of the island. The remoteness from schools, hospitals and other services made life too difficult.

A challenge!

Keith (no point if it's easy) Hart

[Keith Hart]

Looking out from John'OGroats harbour towards Stroma.

Keith Hart

[Keith Hart]

One of the 'blockships' along side the Churchill Barriers in Scapa Flow. If you want to see it, then join the expedition.

Keith (come on folks) Hart

[Brian]

Here is another good link that I have found.

http://www.visitorkney.com

It contains a clickable map of the individual islands, giving places of interest on each.

[narked]

Well if there's others taking dive kit, if I am able to I'll take mine up as well.

As for the RI coverage idea, I think it's great, and yes I think they should give me a boat and outboard! (dunno why though, I just think they should )

Matt

[Alan Mckewan]

Ive got a 3.1 Suzumar which my son Nick will go in - we will accompany in the 7m RIB. Only thing is, at that time of year getting a whole week free is tricky - any chance of timing the "main event" at the start or end so that a long weekend would suffice for some people?

[Brian]

I hear what you are saying, Alan Mc.
The problem is of course, weather.
As soon as we settle on a specific weekend, you can bet your boots it will blow a hooley.
I am thinking that we ought to plan (say) a weeks worth of boating in the general area, and then zero in on the best weather window for the major sib crossing event.
I think we need to be flexible- but it would be really great to see you there!

[Keith Hart]

Orkney Factoid
Just another factoid in a series designed to whet the appetitie of our intrepid Orkney SIB expiditioneers

IT MAY SOUND improbable, even fantastical, but Professor Bryden and his team of researchers at Aberdeen’s Robert Gordon University plan to sink 150-foot-tall propeller-driven turbines into the Pentland Firth over the next five years. The underwater windmills will rotate with the shifting sea currents, which frequently churn at more than 12 knots, delivering energy to the nation’s main power grid.

To prove his research, Bryden will begin small, with three to five turbines. If the initial work proves successful, the payoff could be staggering for a region where oil and gas supplies are dwindling.

“There’s more energy flowing through the Pentland Firth than from all the oil and gas in the world,” says Bryden gleefully.

The professor adds that the Pentland Firth’s waters alone could generate 30 gigawatts of power — enough to light all of Britain each year. That would involve thousands of turbines and closing down the Firth’s busy shipping lanes, admittedly an impossibility. But Bryden’s message is clear: Renewable power sources hold the key to solving many of the world’s energy crises.

Keith (just another Orkney Factoid) Hart

[Keith Hart]

Orkney Factoid
Just another factoid in a series designed to whet the appetitie of our intrepid Orkney SIB expiditioneers


Orkney was a Scandinavian possession until 1468, when they became part of a still unredeemed pledge, for the dowry of Margaret, daughter of King Christian I of Denmark, who was to marry King James III of Scotland, Norway then being ruled by Denmark.

Even to this day Orkney maintains very strong links with the Scandinavian countries, and many Orkadians don't even consider themselves Scottish! Not surprising, considering the fact that Bergen is closer than London.

Keith (keeping up the pressure) Hart

[Keith Hart]

Fancy a look at 'The Old Man of Hoy'? Join the 'Orkney SIB Expedition 2003'.

Keith (The Old Man of Birmingham) Hart

[Keith Hart]

Orkney Factoid
Just another factoid in a series designed to whet the appetitie of our intrepid Orkney SIB expiditioneers

Swona, where the Pentland firth meets Scapa Flow. This island, which rarely experiences frost, is at the same latitude as frigid Churchill on Hudson's Bay, haunt of the ice-bear! Swona is now uninhabited, except by its famous herd of feral cattle and seabirds - it's off Swona that we see the greatest numbers of puffin.

Dunnet Head, most northerly point of the Scottish Mainland, can be seen in the background to the right of the cottage.

Puffin, whales, whirlpools, seals and more.

Don't miss out. Be a part of the ADVENTURE, join 'The Great Orkney SIB Expedition 2003'. Register your interest now with a PM or Email to Keith (mr brackets) Hart.

[Keith Hart]

Here is the view across Hoy Sound.

Orkney is a beautiful and enigmatic place. Perched off the far North Eastern point of the mainland, it seems to have a precarious grip on the UK, as the fierce tidal streams of the Pentland Firth try to rip its fragile link with the coast and cast it adrift in the North Sea.

Just think, you could be there with us next August. If you haven't registered an interest yet please email me orkney@blackhart.co.uk and you will go on the 'The Great Orkney SIB expedition 2003' emailing list. You will receive regular updates as to the progress of the expedition.

Keith (I love Orkney) Hart

[thewavehumper]

Aghhh Sheep, reminds me of my homeland!

Count me in

[Manos]

Keith,

All sounds very interesting. After the hot summer in Greece family agreed want to try Scotland.
We have never sailed in Scotland, but I have read a lot about it (I dive also and get many reports about some fantastic diving up there).
Well (unless something more urgent transpires - DOUBT IT VVMUCH) we are in.
I hope you don't mind if we bring children with us (12 and 4)?
Please let me know.

[narked]

Nice going Keith, looks like you've done a great job of getting everyone interested! Gotta say your factoids have been a great idea, they seem to have got more people involved, and also give me something to read during lessons when the tutors aren't looking. Now I know in theory I should be doing my coursework when in computing lessons, but I just can't do any programming or design work in a light room with no loud music!

Keep it up Keith, can't wait!

Matt