Category: Nature

Thanks for dropping by, it’s been a wee while since the last blog. Many reasons for the lack of updates which include a little bout of ill health, poetry pursuits (including my first ever fully published poem), job obligations, researching a lot of things (two historical themed blogs are in the drafts folder for future publishing here), plus the local Highland Council announcing proposed plans for various tourist-orientated locations in this neck of the woods. Whaligoe Steps was referenced in conjunction with updating facilities, parking, etc. which could start as hopefully as next year (2023). I’ll keep you posted if and when I hear anything further.

The screenshot above shows that Whaligoe Steps isn’t being considered a priority frustratingly, but it does prove the local Highland Council are at the very least considering some improvements to the area. As you may recall there is only one access point to a residential car park here, and with the large number of visitors following what has turned into a lucrative tourist trail called the ‘North Coast 500’ (NC500), there is often congestion, delays, minor vehicle prangs. On one occasion a local resident experienced property damage when their outer wall was knocked down by a campervan.

Any service which requires access is impacted at certain times, whether that be medical or delivery-based. Today, if I wished to park in or to depart from my allocated parking space, I would have been unable to do so due to visitor related obstruction.

Since the beginning of April, this year, the numbers of visitors have increased. As of today (2nd May, 2022), the traffic has significantly risen. The photo above shows an authentic U.S. school bus which parked at the residential car park, not what we normally witness. The varied types of vehicle which visit the area mostly include traditional cars, campervans, motorbikes and then the odd sighting of classic cars or sports cars. It was a pleasant surprise to capture the image of a U.S. yellow school bus passing through.

Now for some other updates… Visitors who kindly had their photos taken and are to be added to the ‘Postcards’ section of this humble website, plus some nature photography from the past few weeks.

Did I mention nature?… Here are a couple which caught my eye from some recent nature-themed photo sessions.

There you have it. Brushing rust off the joints and hoping to pick up a rhythm which will see some updates again to the website. As I mentioned at the start of this blog, some history research has been taking place which is ongoing and very interesting. Trying to get accurate information before publishing, so it takes a while.

Oh yes, the poetry reference in the opening paragraph was in relation to a book of poems by some very talented and amazing creative minds which you can find on Twitter. Including one poem by myself, the many contributing warm-hearted individuals showcasing their poetic talents added their work to a book raising awareness and addressing autism. All proceeds go to a charity called Autism Angels UK, and the book is entitled “We Wear the World, Different..”

Thank you for being you. Take care during these tough and challenging times.

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TWITTER: Whaligoe Eye (@WhaligoeEye) / Twitter

My personal TWITTER account: Gary (@floodland08) / Twitter

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Last BLOG entry: Recap!… – Whaligoe Eye

If I’m watching a television series and there is a gap between watching the episodes, I find myself thankful when the creators of such a show provide a recap. That magical reminder of the characters and their story arc, the prompt to pick up where I left off whilst watching avidly on prior occasions.

So here it is for those of you who are new to the “Whaligoe Eye” project (and there has been a significant increase of visitors to this humble website), covering life on and around the remarkable Whaligoe Steps, here in the north Highlands of Scotland.

This recap also applies to those who have dropped by in the past thanks to my coverage of Stonemasonry undertaken by Charles Juhlenski on the Steps; the blogs covering my thirteen day monitoring of a grey seal pup here at Whaligoe Steps; the coverage of ongoing congestion and overwhelming traffic issues which have plagued the local infrastructure here causing a significant amount of anxiety and stress for visitors and locals alike, or general curiosity after the welcome social media interest in my poetry and promotion of this website.

Although the history of Whaligoe Steps can be dated back via documented sources to around 1640, the Steps we can witness at the time of this blog entry are commonly associated to the sterling investment of Captain David Brodie. He commissioned around 330 Caithness flagstones to be set in the cliff face to provide a robust pathway down to what is known as the Bink, which is situated at the base of the zig-zagging descent. The year most commonly associated with Captain Brodie and his intent on creating a better walkway is around 1791.

I’m not going to enter into a whole chronological history lesson right now, that can wait for the book which I’m researching and constantly working on. Just know that living here for over thirty years, I count my blessings being entertained, stimulated and marvelling at the world around me regarding Whaligoe Steps. So let me take this opportunity to share the story thus far dating back only a few months when I kickstarted this modest blogging website.

Due to the frustrating lack of acknowledgement by the Highland Council to the plight facing residents and visitors to Whaligoe Steps over the past five years (!), I took the plunge and paid for this website in August, 2021. For one reason or another, nobody else was in a situation locally to provide a sensible and socially aware approach to bringing attention to the evident health and safety risks of residents and visitors here.

After being informed by other residents of constant minor vehicle-related incidents in the residents carpark, or near misses to pedestrians in relation to the significant increase to traffic either mounting the kerb, or trying to negotiate a singular access point which was not built for purpose of this magnitude, I decided to do something about it! The proverbial cherry on top of the cake arrived nearly a year prior, when in September, 2020, my outer wall was knocked down by an impressive sized campervan! My stress levels hit an all time high.

As of the middle of January, 2022, I’m sad to update one and all with how nothing has changed regarding this specific concern. Mind you, in fairness to the Highland Council they did eventually provide a well-used dustbin for refuse collection as we had at that point no facilities other than a yellow grit bin! The rubbish bin is a silver lining to what has been a huge disappointment thus far.

I took a screenshot of a relevant online meeting the Highland Council orchestrated regarding significant increases to tourism in the Highlands and the impacts thereof. This meeting was held on September 29th (2021) and apart from their back-slapping over providing wardens to assess and data-collect, they also recognised that lessons in social media would be beneficial.

Despite only one local Councillor venturing out to meet me and discuss or listen to my woes, I have emailed all others from the local Ward to no avail. The warden I witnessed on a couple of occasions who visited the carpark and immediate area when no traffic and disruption was unfolding, made no overtures of communication or data-collection from myself or those who I have spoken with.

Sharing this with you is surprisingly cathartic, so I extend my humble thanks to you for listening.

So the first blog entry was on August the 15th, 2021, reporting on the chaos of another year busy with visitors to Whaligoe Steps, and tales of being unable to park in allocated spaces as they were full. As the days rolled by in a blur of constant monitoring and anxiety, the website began to take on other elements of what makes this community so interesting and precious.

There was a trip taken with Caithness Seacoast in 2021 which added to the learning curve regarding the relationship of Whaligoe Steps in context to the coastline leading to Wick. During this time I was learning about the abundant wildlife around Whaligoe Steps, and raising awareness regarding the ominous situation on my doorstep with congestion and volume of visitors by talking to some local newspapers…

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“Whaligoe Eye” by this point was showcasing galleries representing Nature – Whaligoe Eye plus photographs of visitors who were happy to be added to Postcards – Whaligoe Eye

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Another highlight for me was getting the opportunity to talk to the Stonemason Charles Juhlenski and see him at work. For several months he worked hard repairing and maintaining a couple of flights from the total of six which make up Whaligoe Steps.

Before the end of 2021, on my regular treks down the Steps I was privileged to discover a baby grey seal on the pebble shore. For thirteen days I monitored the transition as the white fur gave way to a grey coat, and the general confidence the pup developed as it became aware of its surroundings. Two blogs covered this experience and even now I am so warm-hearted by the whole encounter.

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I think that will do for what was supposed to be a condensed recap of the past few months here at Whaligoe Steps.

The positive feedback and support from local folk as well as those beautiful people from around the globe, from Australia to Africa, Canada and the U.S., to many other interesting parts of the Earth, have been at times sincerely overwhelming. I thank you one and all.

It would be remiss of me not to say that your continued support simply visiting and reading some of the content; following the various social media enterprises associated with this website; and those who subscribed to this venture via the online form, are very much appreciated and add to the unity of cultural insight and awareness of this area of the Highlands coastline in Scotland. You also get to peek behind a curtain and relate to community impact in the face of a perceived apathy and uncomfortable political situation. I share my humble gratitude with you and look forward to sharing more of this unfolding true story with you.

This year, 2022, is looking like it will be one truly insane time! Where unassuming visitors and residents already battle-weary, will be confronting another dangerous and chaotic arena of feverish activities. Not only is access for emergency services in question, but sadly the constant call for updates within the infrastructure here to cater for toilet facilities, better signage, safer conditions for pedestrians, better parking allocation, and perhaps some communication/transparency from the Highland Council with the residents regarding intentions or plans which may be ahead.

Be assured that it’s my intention to continue working on updates for this website throughout 2022. Covering as much of the evolving landscape, wildlife, revealing the history as I research it, and capturing the carnage which is to follow as the months creep forward.

Thank You again, you’re amazing. Take care and stay safe.

Gary.

TWITTER: Whaligoe Eye (@WhaligoeEye) / Twitter

My personal TWITTER account: Gary (@floodland08) / Twitter

FACEBOOK: Whaligoe Eye – Home | Facebook

YOUTUBE: Whaligoe Eye – YouTube

Latest Blog Entry: A Cool Descent… – Whaligoe Eye

To recap and continue my tale of the grey seal pup encounter, I was blessed with thirteen days of dropping by and capturing video clips and photographs of an ever-evolving baby grey seal. It was left quite naturally as it turns out, on the nearest of the three indents which can sometimes be accessed once down the Whaligoe Steps.

Part of the physical changes witnessed included some evident moulting. I took a photo of a makeshift base which the baby seal inhabited for long durations. There were clumps of fur rolling in the breeze or littering the pebbles. It felt a little coarse if small amounts were held in the hand, but if you were fortunate enough to clench a large amount of baby seal fur, it felt a lot softer.

Via social media, someone asked whether I was feeding it or perhaps pondering over any interaction with the pebble shore baby. For those who are curious, I let Mother Nature take its proverbial course and only monitored the grey seal pup. I maintained a safe distance and I found myself quietly observing most of the time, except if I slipped or stepped in mud or water. On those occasions I might have let out a spontaneous grumble!

According to what I have learned, baby seals can forage and eat anything from crustaceans, small fish and I saw a mention of seabirds! I only witnessed the little fellow playing with various sorts of immediate seaweed during its stay here at Whaligoe Steps. But don’t trust my research, there are many articles and books on the subject. The RSPB have this online article for example: Seal Pups in the UK | See The Baby Seals This Winter – The RSPB

A book which I am proud to say has been ordered thanks to two recommendations I received, is called “An Amazing Adventure: The Story of a Grey Seal Pup” by Ken Crossan. I might well add a reaction via social media once I get a copy and have digested the content, but all recommendations were of a positive note.

Within the thirteen days I had the privilege of monitoring the baby seal, I witnessed the coat turn from a clean white to eventually a grey shade. The head was the first evident physical change although tufts of the fur were sticking up and there was moulting occurring on its torso. It was a rapid physical transition with subtle changes being evident on each visit I made.

I will share an anecdote with you. On the 21st of December, before the baby seal departed its temporary base here, I was keeping an eye on life at Whaligoe Steps as usual. There was a visit from a couple who seemed to be in a whimsical and adventurous mood. We mumbled pleasantries in passing and that was it.

My instincts were alerted by their body language, so being of a protective mood at the time, I waited a little longer than I had initially anticipated.

With a wee glance from the bink area, I noticed the couple had made their way right passed the camouflaged pebble shore baby! I recall making a mental note to myself how utterly efficient the camouflage of the baby seal was.

Those visitors consumed by the view of a tempting north sea, were not a great distance from where the pup was situated. Yet as the female burst into song and made howling noises out loud, relishing the subtle echo which emanated from the location, the two of them were completely oblivious that a baby seal was taking in their performance!

I watched nervously as it moved its head pondering on what the noise was all about and who on earth these two visitors were. Thankfully, the noise was the only disturbance I believe they made.

After thirteen days of ascending and descending the Whaligoe Steps checking on the baby seal and other general activities, I found myself juggling bittersweet emotions when on the last visit I noticed the grey seal pup had gone. I was thrilled that it had survived and ventured finally into the cold waters of the north sea, but simultaneously I felt like a wild unspoken bond between different species of mammal was at an abrupt end.

If you would permit a moment of sentimentality, I really deeply miss the fellow. I made a sighting on the day after it had moved on (24th of December, 2021). Was it one of the other grey seals, or was it the pup gradually getting further and further out to sea?

Thank you for your continued support on the various online locations you can find “Whaligoe Eye”, and for those who took the plunge and subscribed to this website. I am working on the second ‘newsletter’ which will include the name of the winner of my first ever giveaway, plus information about this thirteen day experience with the grey seal pup, and will include a couple of other bits ‘n’ bobs.

If you enjoyed this blog post, then feel free to subscribe via this website using the online form, or if you prefer you can find “Whaligoe Eye” on FACEBOOK: Whaligoe Eye – Home | Facebook

“Whaligoe Eye” can be found on TWITTER: Whaligoe Eye (@WhaligoeEye) / Twitter or my own TWITTER account: Gary (@floodland08) / Twitter

I also upload video clips to YOUTUBE: Whaligoe Eye – YouTube

The next blog post I have in the wings, is simply a summary and recap of what “Whaligoe Eye” has developed in to thus far.

Remember, “Whaligoe Eye” made its debut during the middle of August, 2021, due to the lack of any movement by the local Highland Council addressing how dangerous life had become living here, and for those visiting Whaligoe Steps too. For example, a near miss as a resident was exiting the front door of their home, a wall knocked down, consistent congestion and a car park with no facilities, and inadequate spacing, etc.

The local infrastructure is not currently deemed a priority and as a consequence when busy, there is legitimate cause for concern regarding not only further property damage, but significant hindrance regarding emergency vehicle access amongst other health and safety concerns.

As the New Year looms prominently (at the time of assembling this blog post), I wish you all a contented and safe 2022.

Thanks again for everything, take care and be safe.

Here in the Highlands of Scotland we are blessed with some majestic views, vibrant wildlife, and a hardened lifestyle dwelling within Mother Nature’s ever-changing frame. This website was a springboard to bring attention to the precarious and evidently inadequate infrastructure at Whaligoe Steps, which at the time of this blog entry still exists sadly. But as the months roll by, this humble website has become something more.

I am constantly humbled by not only the feedback from individuals who visit the website, but also the steep learning curve of learning. With an abundance of wildlife on my doorstep so to speak, I am consistently digesting new-to-me information about the various species which consider the environment their home.

Check out the “Nature” section of this website if you get a spare moment: Nature – Whaligoe Eye

In previous blog posts, I have been bouncing with joy over the many sightings of grey seals. Since the start of August, one seal was spotted. Then two seals. Finally my over-zealous excitement burst with the most heart-warming enthusiasm when a third seal was sighted in the waters of the north sea here.

During the many regular treks down Whaligoe Steps it became apparent that one of the grey seals was huge! Unnervingly so as it happens. Whispers amongst those who knew of this were suspecting a pregnancy. After some rapid research, the time of year being October of 2021, it all felt like something special was going to unfold.

On the 10th of December, I found myself melancholy at the state of the nearest pebble shore at Whaligoe Steps. The previous nights had seen storms of significant power batter the coastline, and with such weather arrived a collection of plastic-related pollution, plus some heavy timber. One item caught my eye. It looked to be a white plastic bag or flimsy container which moved. There was a breeze, so it was totally plausible.

On closer inspection, I discovered the white object was in fact a living, breathing grey seal pup! As I share this with you, I cannot articulate sufficiently what this meant to me. My instinctive panic to what may befall such a beautiful example of Mother Nature if visitors from afar were to unintentionally harm or alarm it, or in cases I have seen via articles on seal clubbing or abuse to such native coastline wildlife which was intentional and thoughtless, took hold of my thoughts.

Due to the significant levels of visitors which travel here these days, and despite the crisp cold air of December where once upon a time local people would not see anyone, there are still people who frequent this area. I became almost maternal in my protective ways, and those residents who knew of its existence also adopted an unspoken veil of secrecy regarding the arrival of this pebble shore baby.

I checked out the RSPCA website and even tried to phone them as I was caught up in my woes for the safety of such a wild, yet young grey seal: Seal Pup Found Alone | RSPCA

Apparently after further reading, the Mum nurtures and brings up the newly born pup for about a month before setting it free on a nearby beach or shoreline. The seal pup will then be at the mercy of its own instincts and the environment in which it evolves for about two weeks or so. During this time the seal pup is learning about the relationship with the sea, food and protein, and everything else you can imagine when a living species enters its habitat.

There were days when the seal pup would do very little in the way of movement as it conserved energy. It gave off a serene ambience whilst absorbing all around with those beautiful large dark orbs. In the video clips above you may note how the fur is beginning to change. Within the thirteen days I was gifted the opportunity of monitoring and observing it, the physical changes which transpired were remarkable.

I mentioned the plastic pollution that washed up around the same time the grey seal pup made its grand entrance on the pebble shore. The photograph below was taken during an impressive clearance of the larger and potentially more hazardous items which were briefly in close proximity to the pup.

I will share with you some more of my personal experience with this adorable example of the wildlife which graces the shores here in the United Kingdom. Be patient with me as I need to forage amongst my documented footage and photographs to find out which ones are the finest, and then treat them so they are appropriate to be uploaded. Part 2 will be posted in the next day or so as I juggle the Festive period and all that comes with such traditions.

Many thanks for dropping by, it is appreciated.

Remember you can find “Whaligoe Eye” on Facebook: Whaligoe Eye – Home | Facebook

You can find “Whaligoe Eye” on Twitter: Whaligoe Eye (@WhaligoeEye) / Twitter or find me, Gary on Twitter: Gary (@floodland08) / Twitter

You can find “Whaligoe Eye” on YouTube: Whaligoe Eye – YouTube

Take care and be safe.

Hello again! I bet you thought I had been out with my camera around Whaligoe Steps taking my photographs of the wildlife, and perhaps fallen in to the north sea?! Well, as you may witness, I am still kicking around!

I have been busy with my general surveillance of nature around the Steps, with updates of activity appearing on social media. It is a blessing to recognise I have a full life. As a consequence, squeezing in what I wish to achieve is most challenging but rewarding when all is said and done.

Firstly, I wish to share that those keen-eyed visitors to WhaligoeEye.co.uk who took the plunge and subscribed are in for a treat. Tomorrow there will be a draw from the names of subscribers I have, and I will then send out an email during Saturday the 18th of December announcing the winner.

I was very nervous trying to compose my first ever subscription email, and I know how sometimes these things can get mislaid. So, to reiterate, those who have subscribed (including recent additions) will automatically be put in to this giveaway draw. The winner who is chosen at random will hear from me via email to organise where and when to send them a cosy hat…

The plan is to sort out two more blog entries in the coming weeks which will address a recap of life around Whaligoe Steps for those who are new to the unfolding story, plus a blog post covering a natural wonder with a (hopefully) positive ending. I don’t wish to elaborate on this as it might bring about some negative presence and unwelcome influence. Mother Nature after all, is a wonderful and powerful entity which will perform as it does.

Not only do I juggle family, my job, downtime and poetry scribbles, but I also find time on my regular trips down Whaligoe Steps to pick up litter! In recent days I noticed as a result of some over-zealous storms, a collection of plastic-based pollution washing up on the pebble beach here. Fear not, after about an hour I had gathered it up and on two visits it was cleared away.

The final thing to add just now, is simply have yourself a contented Festive time! I sincerely hope it brings many positive memories during what for some can be a bittersweet time of year. My positive wishes and thoughts go out to you all, take care as always and stay safe!

All the best,

Gary.

At the very beginning of August, 2021, I saw a seal down at Whaligoe Steps. Naturally I felt thrilled with this observation but would not dare to hope that it would become a resident. Over the many years, sightings of seal at Whaligoe Steps have been fairly regular and commonplace, so to guess that this latest sighting would be something special was a little too much to hope for.

To my utter glee and astonishment this sighting of a solitary seal was just the beginning of a new chapter for me and my wildlife observations. Undertaking my trusty research I found out that both harbour seals and grey seals were not unusual to these coastline regions, but the more common sighting and presence belongs to the grey seal.

Two grey seals were sighted a few weeks later which has filled me with real enthusiasm that they could well be here to stay! At the time of this blog entry, October 17th, 2021, I can honestly say that regular sightings of a third grey seal has sealed the deal that at least for a while, Whaligoe Steps has resident grey seals which are putting on a beautiful natural display for the visitors.

Thanks to The Wildlife Trust I can remind you that grey seals are protected in Britain under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970 and the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010. Grey seal | The Wildlife Trusts

According to OneKindPlanet – Animal Facts, Education & Inspiration the grey seal is the largest land breeding mammal you will find in the United Kingdom. When out seal-watching I can safely say the statistics regarding their activity is accurate too as the grey seal can remain underwater for around fifteen to sixteen minutes, but more often surface after anywhere from five to ten minutes.

Despite the tourist season normally being all over by now, the visitors to Whaligoe Steps remain steadfast. Even today as I stood watching the seals going about their business, I observed many individuals wrapped up warm in various Winter-themed attire coming and going.

The seal stone that was hidden at Whaligoe Steps on October the 6th, was found yesterday and moved to a new location where more visitors were likely to stumble across it. From that location on some coastal rock which jutted out and utilised as a popular position in which to watch the seals, I have observed the seal stone now out and about on a journey to somewhere else!

If the family or individual who picked up the seal stone had a spare moment to let me know where it is now, I would love to hear about it. Many thanks in advance.

As always, please take care and be safe. Thank you for your time.

Remember that there are ways to get your WhaligoeEye.co.uk fix – There is a form where you can subscribe to Whaligoe Eye, or if you prefer you can look us up via social media: FACEBOOK – Whaligoe Eye – Home | Facebook, TWITTER – @whaligoeeye

The first blog was posted on August the 15th, 2021. In all honesty, this website was motivated by a perceived apathy from the Highland Council regarding the overwhelming traffic visiting this wee coastal corner of the Highlands of Scotland, and their lack of concern or to a slightly more alarming degree, even their awareness of what was taking place. The sheer volume of visitors was so bad that property damage was inevitable and sure enough, cause and effect unfolded.

A photo above is a moment in time where the rear end of a campervan demolished an outer wall. The feeling of the wall crashing on to the path was felt throughout the foundations of the residential property. On reflection, it reveals how vulnerable the residents are from further accidents as the outer wall was only a path-width away from being the actual home wall.

Check out further reading as accounts of congestion and evidence of increased volumes of visitor activity created tension, frustration and elements of risk to vehicles and properties in this immediate area.

Previous blogs: “Jam…” – Jam… – Whaligoe Eye

“Deja Vu” – Deja Vu – Whaligoe Eye

“Never Judge a Book…” Never Judge a Book… – Whaligoe Eye

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To give you an insight in to what other productivity has been undertaken to this modest and still evolving online source, there have been two well-received sections showcasing natural photographs and the “Postcards” area.

Check out this link for the ever-growing ‘Nature’ gallery – Nature – Whaligoe Eye

Check here to see photographs of visitors to the Whaligoe Steps – Postcards – Whaligoe Eye

Many thanks to all of you who were happy to strike a pose in and around this beautiful location.

Other blog posts added to this site included content about stones and creativity, a sentimental connection to the Whaligoe Steps, unfolding situations in general, a trip down the coastline with Caithness Seacoast, the arrival of a litter bin to the residents’ car parking area and observations of nature around here. More on these topics as time goes on plus a wonderful rich collection of historically researched materials which I think you may find interesting

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So for now, I will bid you a fond farewell and let you know that there is plenty going on behind the scenes which will surface on this website in due course.

Take care and many thanks as always.

It has been a busy few days here for Whaligoe Eye. Time to share with you a few bits about some observations and activities. Hold tight as those waves can provide quite a rollercoaster ride!

Caithness Seacoast Caithness Seacoast – Thrilling Sea Tours around the Caithness Coastline (caithness-seacoast.co.uk) have gained a great reputation for bringing some truly great insight to a piece of the north-easterly coastline in these parts of Scotland, in conjunction with dramatic views, wildlife encounters and moments of adrenaline. The word ‘thrill’ is readily to mind when reflecting on a generous hour and a half of adventure.

Whaligoe Steps from the north sea is a unique opportunity to see them from a refreshing perspective. It is one thing to be descending and tackling the ascent afterwards on those stones underfoot, but to see them in relation to the landscape which embraces them is something else.

Not only did we witness the coastal caves which lurk beneath the Bink, or maybe a little to the side, but we witnessed the waterfalls sprinkling a delightfully fresh cascade down on to the surface of the sea.

With a narrative regarding historical facts, wildlife and significant individuals to what was witnessed regarding the trip from Wick Harbour to the Whaligoe Steps, there was no room for a break. The eyes were taking in the views, the ears were listening to trivia and all the time the brain was bombarded with stimuli.

This adventure was an experience which was very welcome, insightful and I will be doing again. The knowledge of the crew, the attention to health and safety and the overall detail provided made me feel confident in them and their abilities, and subsequently relax and enjoy the ride. Highly recommended.

This morning I decided to film my descent down the main set of six flights of steps which make up the Whaligoe Steps.

Fairly spontaneous thing to do I guess, but my gosh was it a good cardio workout! Sporadically, I have done this wee jaunt down the steps for over thirty years now and felt relatively empowered to tackle the challenge. Please do not try this, especially as on this fine morning the steps were slightly wet underfoot.

During this rather overzealous undertaking, I became aware of some cobwebs which held droplets of rain and moisture. They looked so elegant reminding me of thin but robust threads containing small natural crystals.

It was a simple nudge for my brain to process as I began thinking about all of those little things we take for granted. It’s the little things on various levels that I often miss. So on this slightly misty morn’, I began to rummage amongst the grassy banks of the Whaligoe Steps to find those little things.

Many thanks for your time as always, it means a lot and remember those little things.

My stroll down the Whaligoe Steps this morning provided a thought-provoking discovery. On the pebble shore was a stack of stones which has been a hot topic amongst tourists and environmentalists in recent times. I filmed my discovery which you can see in this blog and found myself speaking about what I came across. Apologies if you’re not a fan of commentary – Just turn the volume off.

The stacks of stones which appear in all manner of locations from popular tourist destinations on the Orkney Islands right around the globe to Australia, are examples of humans physically changing a natural environment where varying types of wildlife inhabit.

If you and I put our feet in the metaphorical footwear of a species of wildlife to imagine what this stack of stones was like, it might be comparable to you finding your home rearranged one day to the point that it resembled a pile of rubble!

When you delve in to the rabbit hole which is the debate about whether they are good or bad, you stumble across inspiring associations related to spiritual or religious belief and the symbolism connected to mental health wellbeing. In the moment an individual or a group assemble and balance such a striking structure, the process itself quite possibly feels cathartic.

Personally, I see them in the moment as an artistic expression but do understand the significance regarding the sensitivity of the natural world.

It is good to wonder. Take care, be safe.