Phoenix, Arizona - Scottish Highland Games

The Scottish Highland Games are held by the Caledonian Society of Arizona.  This year 2018 the event was held at Steele Indian School Park for two days in the beginning of March.  There were many food booths, entertainment, and "heavy athletics" with both women and men divisions.  The general idea is to throw the furthest, the highest, and carry the furthest.  Interesting event with a lot to see and eat.  And a note on parking for next year.  I drove around the park but there were no spaces.  Then I saw a sign that a free shuttle was running from Park Central and decided to go there.  You can also take the Metro Light Rail because it stops near the entrance to Steele Indian School Park.  $20 entrance fee for adults and then discounts for children, seniors and military.

This is a grouping of the practice for the women's events on throwing various items.

Kilt study.

This event involved carrying this huge pole the furthest.

 This is a swing it around then let it fly event.  Furthest wins, not the highest.

 Time to break out the Scottish attire for the weekend.

 Another "swing it and throw it" event with the participants queued waiting for their turn.

 This event was a hay barrel toss.  You make it over the bar, you go to the next round.

 Higher and higher the bar went.  Crazy!

It was a beautiful day and a fun event.  This was my first "Scottish Highland Games" and to those who were asking throughout the day via text messaging, no, I did not find Jamie.  (Outlander fan question).

Lerwick, Shetland Islands - Sail Away

We left Lerwick (60 05.57N 0 59.07 W).  The seas were calm and glassy with no waves.  The temperature was 51.8 F.  We have sailed 1,019 nautical miles, 842 to our next port, Akureyri, and 3,743 to New York City.

Lighthouses and high cliff views.  Thank you, Shetland Islands, for a glimpse at your land!

Summary from the Ship's Official Log Book

With the pilot boarded at 06:20 from the ladder on our starboard side the Ruby Princess sailed inside the bay and approached our anchorage position.  The order to "Let Go" the starboard anchor was given at 06:57 and shortly after at 07"39 the Ruby Princess was resting safely at anchor and the first passenger tender proceeded ashore.

Later that afternoon with all our passengers and crew safely back onboard we heaved home that anchor at 17:04 and made our way out of port, disembarking the pilot at 17:20 we then set courses for Iceland.

Weather experienced throughout the day

Sky: Cloudy

Wind: Southerly Beaufort Force 4

Temperature: 14°c/57.2°f

Barometric Pressure: 1022.7 mb

Sunrise: 06:21

Sunset: 19:43

Shetland Islands - Return to Lerwick

I faced west as we returned to Lerwick. Our coach finished the tour with a drive through Lerwick and we could see the various house styles and other community areas.

 The Ruby Princess waits for us to return.

 Wild Zebra ship.  Temporary housing for oil workers.

 Lining up to take the shuttle to the ship.

Tangwick Haa, Shetland Islands - Museum and St. Magnus Bay Views

We stopped at the local museum to learn about the area. There were ruins in the area and views. Flora and Fauna galore!