Since starting this journey with a blogging website, I realised how much I am learning and what a steep curve this is proving to be.
Not only is there the principle of understanding how to set up the site with all the logistical elements which come in to play but then there is the relationship with social media, how to use social media in conjunction with this pandora’s box; the art of photography in which to translate the passion I have for the Whaligoe Steps; the articulation of words and how to present them in the realms of the internet and technology; the varying technological devices which can be utilised and how to get them to work for me the most efficiently; how to communicate with other people, and which people to communicate with; the vast documentation on historical content for the Whaligoe Steps and relevant subject matter therein; the unfolding knowledge of the wonderful wildlife which has inhabited this area for as long as I have known…
I am a student of Life I pondered.
This learning curve is heartily welcomed mind you and so the journey continues. Let me update you with what I have been up to over the last few weeks.
In 2001, the Whaligoe Steps was placed in to public care officially, and thereafter understandably celebrated by Iain Sutherland and the Wick Society. I reached out to the Wick Society back on the 26th of August, 2021 to make enquiries about research and to further clarify where they stand regarding the Whaligoe Steps today. Sadly, they have not replied. It has been longer than a month and to have received not even a courtesy email I will endeavour to pursue again. Watch this space.
The local Community Council known as the Tannach & District have been in communication since I reached out. The date set for their meeting was not convenient for me so I dutifully shared my apology. It appears this meeting was postponed regardless, so I will be hoping that the invitation remains open for my attendance when it is rescheduled. Why is it important for me to make reference to this in this blog post? Well, the local Community Council will have information about possible developments to the immediate infrastructure here after being shown the congestion and overwhelming impact to the car parking facilities and residential area.
The student of Life within me is learning patience, and after all don’t people say this is a virtue? As I compose this blog post I am fully aware that other issues like ‘Brexit’ and the obvious grip on the globe which is COVID-19 are truly relevant points which assist in slowing a public process down. I cannot fight these aspects, but simply understand them and take this ride to where it will take me.
Just so you know, I am thankful that you are also interested and taking the journey with me. Together we will learn a great many things, and perhaps you too can consider yourself a student of Life?
The above clip regards my tireless research in to some very interesting and thought-provoking historical information regarding the area on which I’m focussed. My initial plan was to assemble some insight and highlights if you will, about the Whaligoe Steps and take you on a journey through chronological order with the time-line and my narrative providing you with a quick and easy overview. Oh my, was I naïve.
I type this with a wry smirk on my face as this pursuit has taken me down a great many rabbit holes. You will hear no complaint from me as I enjoy learning new things you luggers or lubbers! So for now, understand that I am keeping very busy indeed and will share all sorts of good with you in due course. The sheer wealth of information and rich history is so interesting that I am now declaring this to be worthy of a book. Yet again, watch this space.
Time for a gratuitous photograph of a sunrise I experienced this very morning…
I take a relaxed and enjoyable stroll down the Whaligoe Steps most days, and as a result find the cardio is not the only benefit! I am understanding slowly but surely the wildlife habits and routines. I am still chasing the elusive photograph of the oystercatcher though; still keeping an eye on a pair of resident grey seals; watching cormorants/shags ducking and diving or merely perched on cliff edges; pondering over the guillemots and their wonderful ways of bopping on the surface of the north sea; distinguishing between kittiwakes and herring gulls as they go about their daily adventures plus so much more…
In fact this is a good place to wind things up for this blog post. I’ll leave the last word to ‘Henry’ the herring gull…
