The wind continued contrary, and we had to tack out among the Shetland Isles and the Orkneys. But the weather was otherwise pleasant, and we would often run near land, to get views of the shores. There was especially one fjord, on the south side of Shetland, that appeared attractive. On the west side of it the land lay up on a gradual incline, and the grass on the long slope had a peculiarly pleasant grass color. Back of that green slope the mountains rose up rather high; so I imagined this fjord and valley was a snug and sheltered place against cold and unkindly western gales and storms. The fjord itself lay serene and peaceful in the foreground. I do not wonder that places such as this seemed attractive to our viking forefathers, and that they liked to settle here. There certainly was an abundance of fish, as there is yet, and the climate is mild enough for agriculture, whereever there is earth enough. But, unfortunately, the islands are mostly rocks and mountains. Here, however, is the hom of the Shetland Pony, and it is very useful in these mountains, where it can climb with ease many a steep place that would be difficult to travel with a bigger horse. There is, undoubtedly, also a great birdlife in these islands.I thought I should have few objections to residing there, - so attractive were these bays and stratis, grassy nooks and sheltering mountains. But this was summertime. It may well be, that when winter harries the northern seas, and their froth and foam go like a gray smoke over these cliffs, for weeks together, it would not be very enjoyable here, unless one's craft is in a real snug harbor, and the hut or house or residence could be kept fairly warm and comfortable.
We lay westward, but the wind was mostly against us. At Newfoundland Banks we ran into a calm. There were numerous fishing craft here, and we had to watch closely not to collide with them.
One day we lay dead still. We got hold of lines and hooks and tried fishing. Sure enough, before long we were hauling up great cod. But then came up a breeze and we had to proceed on our way. We were, however, privileged to eat fresh codfish which we had ourselves caught on the great banks.