Hassells in the Highlands

The Orkney Islands are magnificent. And surprisingly populated. Since this trip required going even further north, I thought it would be wise of us to go during the 'summer'. Now, at home, 'summer' means 85 to 105 degrees. It is not summer at home until it gets to and stays at 85 degrees. And some years, summer does not arrive until the end of June. But when it does, it arrives and says, "I'm here. You wanted me. Stop complaining about the heat." But since being here, I am realizing that 'summer' means different things. Because what I hear from the locals is that it is pretty much like this year round. The temperatures vary (they stay between 30 and 60 degrees, and so the winter probably stays down in the 30's), but there is rain and there is always the wind. And it will be darker (right now the sun is still in the sky at 10 pm). this was taken at10 pm from our apartment  We have had a handful of BEAUTIFUL days here. Not quite '