Category: Salt House

On December 16th, 2023, I assembled a recapping blog entry showcasing the first fourteen parts of a daily trek challenge which I began on May 1st, 2023.

The blog which assembles those entries can be viewed at this link: Recap for Whaligoe Steps 365… (Parts 1 to 14) – Whaligoe Eye

The daily trek challenge began on May 1st, 2023, hopes were high that I could walk and document life down and around Whaligoe Steps each and every day until May 1st, 2024. This was initially going to be utilising commentary and photography, but latterly has incorporated wee video clips too.

Personally, with all that life throws at us, something of this discipline is hard to achieve.

It is the three hundred and forty second day of my daily trek challenge and I can happily report that I remain on target to succeed in this ongoing endeavour.

Today is a Saturday, full of overcast skies and strong gusts, visitors are still dropping by to visit this location. Life goes on.

It’s also a good time to have fun with numbers. For example, roughly I may well have walked two hundred and three thousand, one hundred and forty eight steps thus far. Another way to look at such a distance is to say I have walked one hundred and one miles.

This achievement has highlighted the extraordinary stamina and results of those individuals who tackle the remarkable ‘Land’s End to John O’ Groats’ trek – Traditionally seen as the most extreme journey by foot within the United Kingdom, starting out in western Cornwall, England, and eventually finishing up in the northern territories of Scotland.

I’ve only managed perhaps a sixth or an eighth of what that distance would encompass. But still, it’s provided an insight to a coastal way of life, for those who would frequent the trail or stone steps down this cliff to the North Sea below.

Below is a photographic highlight which can be found via this link: Daily Trek Challenge (Part 15) – Whaligoe Eye (November 13th up to and including November 26th, 2023)

Dramatic skies are vibrant in the photograph below, found via the following link: Daily Trek Challenge: Part 16 (Nov. 27th – Dec. 10th, 2023) – Whaligoe Eye

Photograph of the sixth flight of Whaligoe Steps, found via the following link: Daily Trek Challenge during December, 2023 – Whaligoe Eye (December 11th, 2023 up to and including December 24th, 2023)

A serene rainbow captured during the fortnight I document during my daily trek challenge via the following link: New Year for my Daily Trek Challenge! – Whaligoe Eye (December 25th, 2023 up to and including January 7th, 2024)

Winter weather strikes me as I tackle another fortnight of daily treks down and around Whaligoe Steps: Daily Trek Challenge in January! – Whaligoe Eye (January 8th up to and including January 21st, 2024)

The moon tries to hide unsuccessfully during another fortnight of daily treks: Spring Whispers on a Daily Trek Challenge… – Whaligoe Eye (January 22nd up to and including February 4th, 2024)

A mixture of weather conditions captured during my daily treks throughout February: Frozen Frolicking in Fabulous February… – Whaligoe Eye (February 5th, 2024 up to and including February 18th, 2024)

Short video clip of the Whaligoe Steps waterfall: Dancing Waterfalls To Windswept Songs – Whaligoe Eye (February 19th up to and including March 3rd, 2024)

March offers up some pleasant weather in 2024: Beautiful Nights and Daily Flights – Whaligoe Eye (March 4th up to and including March 17th, 2024)

Beautiful coastal signs of spring photographed in another fortnight of daily treks: March Springs with Light and Life – Whaligoe Eye (March 18th up to and including March 31st, 2024)

Thank you for your kindness and support up to this point. All going well, I’ll be sharing another blog entry as April continues to entertain with changing weather conditions and visitors continue to arrive in larger numbers. At the time of this entry, the Bink (grassy platform at the base of the six flights of Whaligoe Steps) is still quite muddy and slippery, so caution is advised.

Take care, stay safe and thank you for being You.

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Welcome to part 23 of my coverage from daily treks down and around Whaligoe Steps. Since May 1st, 2023, I’ve been taking photos and walking around this wee local region of the northern Scottish coastline.

Each and every day has been captured in one way or another for posterity, and has included storms of various names, snow, sunrises, wildlife and various silhouettes, plus the varying landmarks like the old Salt House, the boat winch, the plaques erected by the stonemason Charlie Juhlenski, and much more.

Generally, this fortnight from Monday, March 4th, 2024, up to and including Sunday, March 17th, 2024, was about the seabird population feeling at home on rocky ledges and flying. Signs of spring are really happening too.

Without further ado, let’s get to the action…

March 4th, 2024: A clear sky provided an inviting environment for fulmars and seagulls alike…

March 5th, 2024: Quite a contrast during this specific trek, as winds pushed the North Sea into dramatic poses.

March 6th, 2024: During this fortnight, the Bink (grassy platform at the base of the six flights of steps) was muddy and slippery. Below is the old Salt House and some general ambience.

March 7th, 2024: Back to some landscape bathing in sunshine. The view looking northwards along the coastline.

March 8th, 2024: Happy ‘International Women’s Day’

To acknowledge this special day, I took photographs of the two stone plaques celebrating Etta Juhle and her significant contribution to the Whaligoe Steps. Her son, Charlie was the stonemason who had these incorporated to the area, and has also made an invaluable contribution to the state they’re in when visitors drop by.

(There are blogs dating back to 2022, which add references to Charlie’s appreciated and marvellous handywork and trade skillset).

March 9th, 2024: Captured flying seabird silhouettes in a sky full of battle with sunlight and cloud.

March 10th, 2024: Personally, I feel I occasionally capture a photograph of something which seems to exhibit a tremendous presence in texture.

It doesn’t happen a lot, but below is an example of the North Sea being my model, and within the waves and tides a particular atmosphere is presented in the shapes and shading.

March 10th, 2024: During this particular day, I was able to position myself on the pebble shore and caught a short video clip of coastal ambience…

March 11th, 2024: Awaiting an abundance of new life as spring parades the catwalk, it’s a game of patience in some respects…

March 12th, 2024: “Get off my ledge!”

March 13th, 2024: These last couple of months have provided some beautiful skies. Below, among the glare of sunshine is a swooping seabird celebrating what it is to have freedom and wings.

March 14th, 2024: On top of Whaligoe Steps you may find a landscape crawling with wildlife. The humble rabbit, chomping on grass and rather alert to predators goes about a natural business.

March 15th, 2024: Thus far, I’ve witnessed a solitary daffodil plant located in the area of the Whaligoe Steps. Beautiful and vibrant yellow flowers break up the rustic landscape.

March 16th, 2024: A sunrise begins an ascendancy among clouds within a bright blue sky.

March 17th, 2024: To complete this blog entry, for Sunday, March 17th, 2024… The photos below showcase the trail descending the Whaligoe Steps, breaking up your journey with each flight and section.

If you were to tackle this physical course, on this day, the landscape you see below is what you’d be walking amongst.

Beginning your descent from the top left hand corner and letting your eye flow to the right, a track with grooves and gravel beneath your feet. This is then followed by a short series of stone steps.

Then you tackle the six flights of Whaligoe Steps…

Many thanks for your support, generosity of time and kindness, as always I like to acknowledge how much it means.

I hope that I get to share the next instalment of my daily trek challenge with you as I aim to achieve an entire 365 consecutive days walking down and around the Whaligoe Steps.

I just wanted to share this wee video clip of a wagtail, spotted at the base of the landfall here at Whaligoe Steps. Filmed on March 15th, 2024.

Until next time, take care and stay safe.

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Part 22 of my daily trek challenge, where I document each and every day from May 1st, 2023, walking down and around Whaligoe Steps.

Hoping to reach May 1st, 2024, where I’ll eventually accumulate an entire year of visiting the impressive stone steps and the immediate environment around here.

Witnessing the waterfall, broken anchor, boat winch, sunrises, seabirds, Bink, the six flights of steps, snow, ice, rain, wind, pebble shore, Beatrice wind farm, horizons, wildlife, changing of seasons, wildflowers and so much more.

This blog entry is for the fortnight of Monday, February 19th, 2024 up to and including Sunday, March 3rd, 2024.

Feb. 19th, 2024: I mentioned it before, but after this area receiving the impact of two waves of ‘bird flu’ and really depleting the seabird activity and presence here in recent years, it has been a relief to witness the current movements of fulmars and various gulls as coastal life slowly returns to a new sense of normality.

Feb. 20th, 2024: Sometimes the sun is hindered as it wakes to bring in a new day, so consequently an intense band of sunshine is sandwiched on the horizon.

Below is an example of wind turbine silhouettes where Beatrice wind farm is framed within a beam of sun.

Feb. 21st, 2024: Standing on top of a section of cliff known as “Horseback”, looking northwards up the coastline.

Feb. 22nd, 2024: Seabird’s eye view of the Bink and the Salt House, in close proximity to the sixth flight of Whaligoe Steps.

Feb. 23rd, 2024: After a couple of days where the winds and grey skies were plentiful, this particular Friday offered up such a contrasting blue canvas above.

Feb. 24th, 2024: Beautiful sunrise.

Feb. 25th, 2024: During a window of time where the North Sea was calmer and the skies found their harmony, it proved too inviting for fishing boats and other nautical traffic.

Feb. 25th, 2024 – Night: Beautiful moon observations over Whaligoe Steps…

Feb. 26th, 2024: A glaring sunrise provided the backdrop for a silhouette moment with a passing seabird. Not sure if it was a fulmar or a type of gull, but it was a beautiful image.

Feb. 27th, 2024: Today offered up more gusty and windy ambience as I tackled this daily trek. With that in mind, the clip below may suit a muted volume as the weather battered the microphone.

The waterfall was blown in the breeze, a windswept water dance.

Feb. 28th, 2024: Catching some strong sunshine on the boat winch during a lull in bleak weather.

Feb. 29th, 2024: More sunshine adding ambience to some restless waves.

March 1st, 2024: I managed to access the pebble shores on this particular trek, captured an image looking out to the North Sea.

March 2nd, 2024: The Bink is really showing signs from the rainfall and general reception to the past few years of visitors. Rustic and wet ambience.

March 3rd, 2024: The tide was drifting out when I noticed the broken anchor. Authentic in drizzle as it lay peacefully amongst the pebbles and rocks.

The next blog entry sharing my daily treks will hopefully cover Monday, March 4th, 2024 up to and including Sunday, March 17th, 2024.

Thank you so much for your support, generosity of time and kindness. Time is flying by and I cannot believe that March is well and truly underway already. Hints of spring are in the air as new growth pokes through the rustic landscape.

Take care of yourselves, sending you positive wishes only always.

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Part 21 of my coverage regarding daily treks down and around Whaligoe Steps which began back in May, 2023…

This blog entry covers the duration from Monday, February 5th, 2024, up to and including Sunday, February 18th, 2024.

There was snow once again, winds and prolific rainfall, plus outbursts of golden rays of sunshine. Momentary hints of the beautiful sunrises which regularly visit this coastline were observed too, plus most encouragingly, the presence of seabirds like gulls and fulmars gathering on the rocky ledges.

Feb. 5th, 2024: Mild and cloudy trek during this Monday moment. The photograph below capturing the wet and overcast day perfectly.

Feb. 6th, 2024: Seabirds wearing fancy dress costumes, or could they be jackdaws?

Feb. 7th, 2024: Below shows the third flight of Whaligoe Steps carrying the weight of some snowfall.

It was during this trek where I was able to photograph and experience an incoming blizzard which I’ll share…

This blizzard was brief, and quite an experience.

Feb. 8th, 2024: Snow remained prominent as can be seen by the photograph below. Sitting on the tips of the shrubbery were hints of snowfall bathed in the rays of a winter sun.

Feb. 9th, 2024: By Friday, most of the snow had thawed. It comes and goes along this coastline at quite a pace.

The photograph below shows off some restless waves of the North Sea and the condition of the fourth flight of Whaligoe Steps.

Feb. 10th, 2024: Waves had become more dramatic as the day rolled into Saturday.

Feb. 11th, 2024: Over the past couple of months, producing significant quantities of foam has been effortless for the North Sea waves during the consistent storms which have battered the U.K. coastlines.

This link over at National Ocean Service, explains further about sea foam and what it’s all about… What is sea foam? (noaa.gov)

Feb. 12th, 2024: A personal favourite when it comes to recent photographs of the sunrises which grace this stretch of the coastline.

Beatrice wind farm is faint below the radiant glare of the morning sun.

Feb. 13th, 2024: The broken anchor which lays around on the nearest pebble shore keeps moving. On this day, nestled among the pebbles and rocks when the tide was sufficiently out, I took this photograph.

Feb. 14th, 2024: To celebrate the association with romance for this particular day, below is a photograph of a couple of fulmars. They’re related to albatrosses and when they mate, they are monogamous for life.

Feb. 15th, 2024: Wet and drizzly ambience wraps itself around the remains of the old Salt House on the Bink.

Feb. 16th, 2024: Standing on the Bink and looking out across the North Sea to Beatrice and the horizon.

Feb. 17th, 2024: Maybe the clouds ran out of energy or exhausted their supplies of rain… Sunshine grows shadows on the third flight of Whaligoe Steps.

Feb. 18th, 2024: From a distance, you can get an overall view of the Bink and see some context with elements like the Salt House, and the placing of points regarding the zig-zagging flights of stone steps descending the cliffs.

So that brings us to a close, as another fortnight is showcased documenting my attempt at tackling treks down and around Whaligoe Steps for three hundred and sixty five consecutive days.

Above, is a thirty second clip I filmed of the waterfall here at Whaligoe Steps. The sun made the experience look gentle and inviting, although the wind on top of this cliff where I was standing remained present.

The next blog entry on this continuing adventure will share photographs from Monday, February 19th, 2024 up to and including Sunday, March 3rd, 2024.

Thank you for your generosity of time, kindness and support. Take care and know I’m sending you positive wishes.

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Thank you for dropping by this freezing cold, blog entry. If you’re looking for some winter-themed images then you’ve come to the right place. Perhaps you’re simply curious about the coastal location where Whaligoe Steps is situated and wish to see photography showcasing snow covering? Then once again, you’re in the right place.

The fortnight documented below from Monday, January 8th up to and including Sunday, January 21st, 2024, was remarkable for the snowfall and prominent wintery weather. I was caught in a blizzard which was both alarming and comical simultaneously. Just wait until you see a selfie I struggled to capture once I returned to the top after a serene and frozen descent.

Anyways, you don’t want to see my icicles, you want to know how my daily trek challenge is going…

Link to my last episode about this daily trek challenge – New Year for my Daily Trek Challenge! – Whaligoe Eye

Other useful links relating to my daily trek challenge: Recap for Whaligoe Steps 365… (Parts 1 to 14) – Whaligoe Eye

Daily Trek Challenge (Part 15) – Whaligoe Eye

Daily Trek Challenge: Part 16 (Nov. 27th – Dec. 10th, 2023) – Whaligoe Eye

Daily Trek Challenge during December, 2023 – Whaligoe Eye

Now that you’ve caught up, let’s get to this blog entry and what I had the luxury of documenting.

Jan. 8th, 2024: If you were a seagull or fulmar flying over this part of the coastline, I wonder if you’d see this sort of view?

The Bink with a section of the zig-zagging lower flights of Whaligoe Steps, and the Salt House.

Jan. 9th, 2024: After the recent couple of years where bird flu has ravaged the seabird populations, it’s a joy to confirm that there are building numbers of feathered friends returning to rocky ledges once more.

Jan. 10th, 2024: You know by now that I like a silhouette, and I hope this doesn’t disappoint.

Jan. 11th, 2024: Some gravel litters these steps after being dragged by rainfall and stormy conditions above. This is a photograph of the fifth flight of Whaligoe Steps.

Jan. 12th, 2024: This image tickles me due to the posture adopted by the gull in the top left hand corner.

Jan. 13th, 2024: In the early hours I found this image to be atmospheric. Tranquillity in a moment of cold, yet calming ambience.

Jan. 14th, 2024: The trek was evident for really freezing temperatures, and knowing how subtle changes to the landscape had taken place over the past two months, it wasn’t a surprise to find the broken anchor had moved.

Jan. 14th – Afternoon… Later in the day, I ventured down and around Whaligoe Steps for a second visit. A light covering of snow as temperatures held firmly hinting that perhaps more was to come…

Jan. 15th, 2024: Plenty of snow fell and gripped the landscape. The photo below is of the first flight of Whaligoe Steps in the early hours.

Jan. 16th, 2024: Icicles aplenty… The freeze continues.

There is a blog entry sharing images of this day which you can view by clicking on this link – Beautiful January Days of White Satin – Whaligoe Eye

Jan. 17th, 2024: The view along the coastline as it travels northwards from Whaligoe Steps.

Jan. 18th, 2024: A personal fave, I ended up using this photograph in conjunction with a daily poem too…

Solace swoons where mingling matters whisper winter words (#Only8Words)

Jan. 19th, 2024: An ominous ascent from the bottom of the first flight heading back to my home.

Jan. 20th, 2024: By the time I ventured out for my daily trek on this Saturday, the snow was melting considerably and I took an opportune moment to craft a ‘snow heart’ on some grass, located on the Bink.

Jan. 21st, 2024: As the thaw continued, some feathered friends took to the sky in celebration.

I hope you enjoyed this blog, and with just over three months left until I finish my daily trek challenge where I go down and around Whaligoe Steps each and every day for a whole year, look out for further entries as I continue my adventures.

All going well, the next blog will be documenting the fortnight from Monday, January 22nd up to and including Sunday, February 4th, 2024.

Thank you for your generosity of time and kindness, stay safe and take care.

FACEBOOK: Whaligoe Eye | Lybster | Facebook

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EMAIL: WhaligoeEyeToo@gmail.com

Part seventeen of my daily trek challenge, where I go down and around Whaligoe Steps each and every day for a whole year. It began back on the first day of May, 2023.

So far, I’ve gone through about seventy-six batteries, two pairs of footwear, a camera, and two computers that packed up on me.

I’ve experienced Storm Babet, Storm Isha and Storm Jocelyn, plus several others, in and amongst enduring ice, snow, rain, sunshine and calm. Still, at the time of composing this blog entry, there are just three months to go before I complete this epic adventure!

This entry covers the fortnight from Monday, Dec. 11th up to and including Sunday, Dec. 24th, 2023…

Dec. 11th, 2023: Below, to kickstart this documentation of my daily trek challenge, is another fine example of the wonderful skies which grace this part of the coastline throughout December.

Dec. 12th, 2023: Throughout November and December, I would encounter Star going about her travels and business. Here she is pondering fascinating things on the top of the sixth flight of Whaligoe Steps.

Dec. 13th, 2023: There is a blog entry (House with Many Names – Whaligoe Eye) which delves a little deeper about this building, which still remains with one whole wall standing on the Bink. Over the years it has been given many purposes and names, but it’s most commonly referred to as the Salt House.

Dec. 14th, 2023: Charlie Juhlenski has worked tirelessly on Whaligoe Steps utilising his stonemasonry skills. This is a plaque, a tribute to his Mum, which can be found at the base of the second flight of steps.

Dec. 15th, 2023: The below photograph is a simple example of what’s witnessed as you stand at the top of the final and sixth flight of Whaligoe Steps which leads down to the Bink.

At the time of this blog post, I notice how the steps themselves look identifiable and you can clearly see the stone. In actual reality, the recent storms have dragged a significant quantity of gravel from the top of the cliffs and deposited amounts all over the various flights.

Dec. 16th, 2023: An example of a beautiful and rich sunrise providing a backdrop to Beatrice, the wind farm located just over eight miles off the coastline here.

Dec. 17th, 2023: Sir Billy Connolly CBE, visited Whaligoe Steps in the nineties and met a couple of locals, Jimmy Miller and William Taylor. During his encounter with this coastal dwelling he noted how the waterfall was the first one he’d seen which goes up the way!

Dec. 18th, 2023: Something peaceful when you gaze at the moon. This is the moon as it looked on this particular Monday over Whaligoe Steps.

Dec. 19th, 2023: We’ve seen Star in different stages of action or rest. Here she is in huntress mode… Watch out rodents!

Dec. 20th, 2023: Below is an example of the occasional build-up of plastic pollution which litters the pebble shoreline here at Whaligoe Steps. I gather up the garbage and carry it back up with me in case you’re wondering.

Dec. 21st, 2023: This is the third flight of Whaligoe Steps. Notice the hint of rainfall which nestles on the surface of each step.

Dec. 22nd, 2023: I love the colouring in the photograph below. Typical of the rustic flora on show during this time of year around here.

Dec. 23rd, 2023: Another example of the flora which has really died back during these winter days. Plenty of cloud and rainy days.

Dec. 24th, 2023: The remaining boat winch looked a little sad for itself during Christmas Eve. I took pity on it and out came the camera.

There you have it for another blog entry showcasing some views and highlights of life down and around Whaligoe Steps this December.

The next blog entry will be significant for taking you and I out of 2023, and letting us in on the beginning of the next year. So, if you get a moment I’d welcome your company as we celebrate Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year with more photographs taken during my daily trek challenge.

While the local population discuss these amazing observations amongst themselves, I’ll say thank you only always for your generosity of time within social media, in person and also thank you for being You.

Stay safe, take care.

Link to the last blog entry if you’re curious – Daily Trek Challenge: Part 16 (Nov. 27th – Dec. 10th, 2023) – Whaligoe Eye

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EMAIL: WhaligoeEyeToo@gmail.com

I’ve just returned from a daily trek this morning, amazed at the beauty here at Whaligoe Steps and how these winter vibes bring out new delights.

A recent question came my way regarding how I was progressing with the ‘Whaligoe Steps 365’ daily trek challenge, where since May 1st, 2023 I have been visiting and documenting each and every day since.

The answer is that I’m thrilled to say I am still on course to achieve this awesome feat. Despite the aspects which life throws at us, I remain on course to achieve the objective of going down and around Whaligoe Steps each and every day for an entire year.

More blogs regarding this will be forthcoming.

Thank you to one and all who have made enquiries and been supporting this whole challenge, and for the kindness I have been experiencing on Twitter (X), Facebook and in person. It really means a lot.

The above photograph was taken moments ago as I negotiated precarious and remarkable snow under foot. It brings me joy to share this image and the following ones…

I saw the waterfall, landfall, rabbits and landscape in a new light today. It was also a pleasure to witness those icicles again this year.

Here are some more winter themed images I caught during the trek this very morning…

Somehow, the rabbits this morning were not bothered by my presence and went about hopping in the snow.

Thank you again, for your company during my daily treks, and for reading and looking at the documentation via social media and on this humble website. I’ll be gradually catching up as my photos continue to be taken, and my thoughts continue to assemble, as I reflect on so many things.

The waterfall…

It also brings me pleasure to share that another of my poems has made an appearance amongst some wonderful talent in a book titled ‘We Are The Waves’

If you enjoy poetry and art in the shape of the written word, this recent publication could be just what you need as you wrap up warm and cosy in these winter days.

I’ll leave you with a photo of my ornamental cat which ponders life in my garden.

Take care and stay safe. You’re awesome, don’t forget.

EMAIL: WhaligoeEyeToo@gmail.com

FACEBOOK: Whaligoe Eye | Lybster | Facebook

TWITTER (X): Whaligoe Eye (@WhaligoeEye) / X (twitter.com)

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Welcome to my challenge of venturing down and around Whaligoe Steps for each and every day for an entire year. As my adventures continue, I’m accumulating quite a few photographs and also documenting a lot of activity. Therefore, I felt it only appropriate to provide you with links from my previous blogs…

Here are some links to previous blog entries showcasing my visits from May 1st, 2023, up to and including Sunday, November 12th, 2023…

Enjoy!

New Challenge (Part 1) – Whaligoe Eye

New Challenge (Part 2) – Whaligoe Eye

New Challenge (Part 3) – Whaligoe Eye

New Challenge (Part 4) – Whaligoe Eye

New Challenge (Part 5) – Whaligoe Eye

New Challenge (Part 6) – Whaligoe Eye

Daily Challenge (Part 7) – Whaligoe Eye

Daily Challenge (Part 8) – Whaligoe Eye

Daily Challenge (Part 9) – Whaligoe Eye

Whaligoe Steps 365 (Part 10) – Whaligoe Eye

Whaligoe Steps 365 (Part 11) – Whaligoe Eye

Whaligoe Steps 365 (Part 12) – Whaligoe Eye

Whaligoe Steps 365 (Part 13) – Whaligoe Eye

Whaligoe Steps – Three Hundred and Sixty Five (Part 14) – Whaligoe Eye

The first fourteen blogs covering my daily treks down and around Whaligoe Steps since May 1st, 2023 up to and including November 12th, 2023.

I hope you find it interesting, maybe beautiful and also stimulating. To focus attention on one specific location and watch it evolve and change over the seasons thus far, has proved most intriguing.

Nature continues to share changes and new revelations. I’m currently in the process of sorting two more blogs bringing us up to speed with the calendar as I have successfully maintained my daily treks to this very point in time.

Thank you, only always for dropping by and supporting my endeavours and for being You.

Until the next one, take care and be safe.

FACEBOOK: Whaligoe Eye | Lybster | Facebook

TWITTER (X) – Gary: Gary (@floodland08) / X (twitter.com)

TWITTER (X): Whaligoe Eye (@WhaligoeEye) / X (twitter.com)

EMAIL: WhaligoeEyeToo@gmail.com

My daily treks down and around this engineering marvel, located along the coastline in Caithness continue. This blog entry shares with you another fortnight, dated from October 30th, 2023 up to November 12th, 2023…

The skies were notable at this time for being spectacular, adding a precious ambience to the experience of capturing nature here in this picturesque location.

Previous blog – Whaligoe Steps 365 (Part 13) – Whaligoe Eye

Welcome once more to Whaligoe Steps…

Oct. 30th, 2023: Clouds were sauntering through rich blue skies, whilst the ‘forgotten’ flight of Whaligoe Steps juggled with rain and hints of grass.

Oct. 31st, 2023: Sunrise wrestled with more clouds during this Tuesday trek.

As I ascended the steps, I was greeted by my first sighting of the robin this autumn.

Nov. 1st, 2023: Ventured into the shallow cave on the pebble shoreline.

Since storm Babet, I’m still discovering the changes within the landscape around here. This includes how the rusty broken anchor has been moved and partly covered.

Nov. 2nd, 2023: It doesn’t happen every morning, but it’s a treat to witness both the sun in one direction and the moon in the other. The photos below show how prominent the moon was during this particular trek.

Nov. 3rd, 2023: Unsettled weather was captured as waves whipped up into gusty symphonies.

Nov. 4th, 2023: Star was attentive and delightful as she always is.

A clattering of jackdaws enjoy the sunshine which coats a roaming fence.

Nov. 5th, 2023: Two faces of the North Sea captured in one trek. Waves excitable reach for the skies, and then a little later there were tranquil waters.

Nov. 6th, 2023: A wild rabbit plays peek-a-boo.

I found that Whaligoe Steps has a heart of stone.

Nov. 7th, 2023: Landscape moments where perception is captured from a distance. Looking down on the Bink where the North Sea shares a clarity.

The waterfall here continues to flow with abundant energy.

Nov. 8th, 2023: Ambience of another cloudy autumnal day.

Nov. 9th, 2023: On this Thursday trek, I was fortunate to see two versions of a sunrise. A softer glow behind swaying flora was the first encounter.

Then a little later, a fire sandwiched between well defined clouds.

Nov. 10th, 2023: Standing beside the old Salt House down on the Bink gives a sense of history within this coastal environment.

During this trek, I pondered over the vastness of the enduring tides of the North Sea.

Nov. 11th, 2023: Temperatures fell during these treks down and around Whaligoe Steps, but still the sun watched from afar.

Pleasant ambience on this early Saturday afternoon.

Nov. 12th, 2023: Silhouettes.

Wrap up warm and know you’re appreciated. Thank you for your generosity of time and for your support, they mean a lot.

Until the next one, take care.

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As September lumbers into October, this fortnight of my daily trek challenge (walking down and around the Whaligoe Steps each and every day from May 1st, 2023 onwards) finds the North Sea restless and proposing shapes in the waves like artistic expression, and dandelions with a wild rose breaking up the greenery. Rabbits continue to hop and graze to vibrant and varied sunrises which provide exuberant brushstrokes to an open sky.

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Starting from September 18th right up to and including the 1st day of October, 2023, this is your next insight to a fortnight visiting the Whaligoe Steps…

Sept. 18th, 2023: The third flight of ‘Steps burdened by rain water. During this Monday trek, the boat winch looked suitably rustic.

Sept. 19th, 2023: Sunshine brings out more activity from the wildlife here on the coastline.

Standing on the periphery of the North Sea presents some beautiful views where the eye can view for several miles.

Sept. 20th, 2023: Star enjoying a contented nap beneath a generous sunlight, whilst shadows lurk within the jagged stones which make up the fourth flight of Whaligoe Steps.

Sept. 21st, 2023: From the edge of the Bink (grassy platform at the base of the ‘Steps), there is a stunning view which on occasion showcases the off-shore wind farm called Beatrice. The Bink is where you’ll find the remains of the old salt house too.

Sept. 22nd, 2023: Despite the impact of Avian flu earlier this year, an odd gull can still be witnessed around this region. The wild rose which can be seen growing in the verges alongside the ‘Steps provides some invaluable floral beauty.

Sept. 23rd, 2023: With an increase in rainfall, the waterfall itself becomes more alive with it’s liquid signature finding a way down the two hundred and fifty foot drop.

Before heading home, I noticed a bumblebee clambering over a vibrant dandelion.

Sept. 24th, 2023: Wild rose gazing at people as they descend the Whaligoe Steps.

As I tackled the terrain around the ‘Steps, I realised I’d never taken a simple overview photograph of the Whaligoe Steps zig-zagging down the cliff with coverage of the prolific waterfall included.

Sept. 25th, 2023: Difference between day and night…

Sept. 26th, 2023: After discovering that the North Sea is the coldest sea on the planet, I began digging further to figure out what the difference between an ocean and a sea is. This website provided answers in the form of geographical meanings – What’s the difference between an ocean and a sea? (noaa.gov)

Below are photos of the North Sea during a Tuesday trek where winds were present and waves were hinting at restless expression.

Sept. 27th, 2023: During the early morning visits down and around Whaligoe Steps, for a few days I observed some fishing boat activity.

Another beautiful sunrise was witnessed on this day.

Sept. 28th, 2023: Clouds react to the light given off by the early morning sun, and below I occasionally capture through the humble lens some striking definitions and colours.

A reminder of the restless waves which throw remarkable shapes when impacting the coastal rock.

Sept. 29th, 2023: Silhouettes dot the skyline as you descend the Whaligoe Steps, where flora grace the foreground the skies behind provide varying shades of light.

The moon almost hid behind drifting wisps of cloud during this particular trek.

Sept. 30th, 2023: Below, another dandelion becomes host for a flying traveller, as another part of this area some wild rabbits congregate amongst lush grassland.

Oct. 1st, 2023: Just for fun, how many rabbits can you spot in the photo below?

Thank you for your continued support of time and kindness during these challenges documenting the changing of season and the constantly interesting natural developments taking place here at Whaligoe Steps. If I can reach the end of October with the momentum I have currently, then you and I will have photographed and witnessed highlights for each and every day for half a year!

That’s one hundred and eighty two and a half days of exploring and sight-seeing!

Sending you positive wishes, take care and stay safe.

Thank you again for being You.

All going well, the next blog will be showcasing October 2nd, 2023 up to and including October 15th, 2023…

TWITTER (X): Whaligoe Eye (@WhaligoeEye) / X (twitter.com)

FACEBOOK: Whaligoe Eye | Lybster | Facebook

TWITTER (X) – Gary: Gary (@floodland08) / X (twitter.com)

EMAIL: WhaligoeEyeToo@gmail.com