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…
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.
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.
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.
Since May 1st, 2023, I have been tackling a trek to Whaligoe Steps each and every day for six months thus far, on my personal challenge to witness and document the changing of the seasons and to understand better what it’s like living so close to an engineering feat set in a cliff on the coastline of Scotland.
My aim is to finally share with you, all three hundred and sixty five days of natural wonders and beauty which can be found in this rustic location.
This blog entry covers Monday, October 16th up to Sunday, October 29th, 2023…
Everything from a weather system called ‘Storm Babet’ to some beautiful sunrises and dramatic skies took place during this fortnight, as I went down and around Whaligoe Steps in Caithness. Not far from here is the most northerly tip of the U.K. mainland, and with the coldest sea on the planet as your neighbour, you can count on some interesting and breath-taking views from day to day.
Oct. 16th, 2023: Sightings of both the grey seal inspecting the coastline, and rabbits on top of Whaligoe Steps sunbathing in the glow of another sunrise greeted me this Monday I ventured outdoors…
Oct. 17th, 2023: I was up promptly to catch what I felt would be a wonderful sunrise, and was not alone. Visitors tackling their own journey also captured the sunrise on this particular Tuesday morning.
Oct. 18th, 2023: What a difference a day makes. After sharing a peaceful morning with strangers and discussing all manner of fascinating topics to a backdrop of a stunning sunrise, the following morning as you can see below, cast a cold and grey shadow over the North Sea and Whaligoe Steps.
Beatrice, the off-shore wind farm would have trembled if it too knew what was to come over the next few days…
Photographs of the shallow cave, and the unrest wielded by the tides of the North Sea.
Oct. 19th, 2023: Storm Babet, a weather system which showcased true ferocity in strong winds and remarkable waves.
An actual photograph taken of a North Sea wave climbing up a cliff which is around two hundred and fifty feet tall!!
In the aftermath of these few days of Storm Babet, the landscape has been physically changed in a few locations. The base of the Salt House has a little difference, as does the base of the landfall tucked away in the corner; plus on the pebble shores – bare rock can be seen which was once covered in shingle and small stones.
Oct. 20th, 2023: Storm Babet continued into the following day…
Trying to stand still in ferocious winds to take accurate and precise photographs is something I haven’t experienced to this degree before. Below you can see the top of the waterfall, but winds blew the water upwards into the air.
Dramatic liquid monsters carved shapes in the waves as the roar of wild energy filled the skies. It quite literally took my breath away and will be an experience I won’t forget for a long, long time.
I must reiterate that my thoughts for those who lost their lives during this devastating storm are in my mind. The impact of this weather system on some has been something I cannot fully imagine. Sincere condolences to those who have been severely effected.
Oct. 21st, 2023: Marked by some as ‘day 3’ of Storm Babet, the North Sea continued to growl and toss ‘n’ turn…
Oct. 22nd, 2023: What a relief to feel some sunshine as a battered sunrise found ways to ease fingers between clouds, and to tease open those dark grey skies and share some blue and gold…
Oct. 23rd, 2023: A beautiful and calm trek in which a proper assessment of landscape-related damage could be deciphered. Below you have a photograph of a relieved pebble shoreline.
Also, a tranquil sunrise bathes a background for some curly silhouettes to gently sway in the coastal breeze.
Oct. 24th, 2023: Striking colours shimmered on the surface of the sea. The waterfall was generous as it gifted the North Sea plenty of abundant rain water.
Oct. 25th, 2023: Gloomy yet exhilarating with prominent winds. The waterfall continued to flow but created new shapes due to the presence of the gusts.
Oct. 26th, 2023: Hypnotic beam of sunshine caught my eye during this particular Thursday trek down and around Whaligoe Steps. Getting a bird’s eye view of the off-shore wind farm known as Beatrice.
In the evening I noted the moon, so below you get to see it too.
Oct. 27th, 2023: Such fun was had when nature conspired with a hint of frivolity. Foam parties thanks to the build up of rough seas for several days.
Foam globules littered the lower two flights of Whaligoe Steps and standing beside the boat winch meant being a potential recipient to floating foamy companions! The name ‘foam-nado‘ was circulated on this day…
Oct. 28th, 2023: The autumn can be an unpredictable season, but one thing you can rely on is some rain and a drop in temperature. Silhouettes and wet ground were abundant companions.
Oct. 29th, 2023: Foam parties were the theme to unfold during this Sunday trek. To be honest, I hadn’t witnessed this much foam accumulating on the pebble shore like this on prior visits.
Waves were rife as my friend balanced on a rock only to be greeted by a foamy compliment.
As always, I look forward to sharing the next fortnight all going well.
This first six months have been amazing, full of new-to-me sightings and experiences. If things work out, I look forward to sharing the next six months with you and sharing a whole year of life down and around Whaligoe Steps with you.
This is my third blog documenting highlights and outlining what was achieved around Whaligoe Steps, and in some isolated instances, further afield in the county of Caithness, during a The Wildlife Trusts | The Wildlife Trusts initiative called ’30 Days Wild’.
Since 2015, the Wildlife Trust has inspired individuals of all walks of life to appreciate and understand better the natural world which surrounds them.
So many highlights and revelations were taken from this thirty day duration of wildlife observation and study. There were moments of creativity like the stone painting and a little poetry. Times of celebrating specific wildlife or in the case of literature, celebrating the writings of author John Horne.
Expectations were dashed and simultaneously exceeded when no sighting of an orca during a tour of the north sea coastline took place, but yet despite not seeing deer during the ‘wild camp out’ a sighting was made several days later. The photo of a gannet (Morus bassanus) above on the very last trek down the Whaligoe Steps was a real gift, as were the images captured of butterflies from the garden here.
Snails were abundant one soggy morning eclipsing all other wildlife, as white-lipped snails danced in slow-motion on the prominent flora. Initial ideas for that specific day were sidelined as I photographed the snails moving about all around me.
Plenty of captured memories which give me a lot of pleasure in sharing with you. If you’ve visited this location before at Whaligoe Steps, maybe it’ll be of interest. On the other hand, if you simply enjoy viewing wildlife images including birdlife, wildflowers, the sea or even the skies, then I hope this blog entry with the previous two give you something of interest.
Locations during this month of natural appreciation ended up with most love landing at the door of Whaligoe Steps obviously, but you’ll also note the north coastline boat trip I took around the John O’Groats area, Dunnet Forest for some alternative terrain, two local gardens to the Whaligoe Steps and the recognition to the Wildlife Trust streaming section of their official website. This is where I tipped my hat to Norfolk (water voles) and ‘Scotland’ (Peregrine falcons).
Thank you only always for your time and interest, time for me to set sail again…
This is my second blog regarding my humble attempt at following the inspiration of ’30 Days Wild’. Each day of June it’s all about appreciating and understanding more about Mother Nature, an initiative started back in 2015 by The Wildlife Trusts | The Wildlife Trusts.
Documenting each day from June 11th to June 20th, this second blog will showcase everything from going orca spotting in the north sea, to signing an online Wildlife Trust approved petition.
DAY 11: WILDLIFE TRUST APPROVED PETITION
June 11th, 2022…
DAY 12: SUNDAY STROLL
June 12th, north sea…June 12th, pebble shore…June 12th…
DAY 13: MELLOW MONDAY
June 13th, scotch thistle…June 13th, Star the cat…June 13th, gull foraging…
DAY 14: PICNIC
June 14th, picnic on the Bink…
DAY 15: SNAIL WATCH
June 15th…June 15th…June 15th…
DAY 16: CAITHNESS SKIES
June 16th…June 16th…June 16th…
DAY 17: NATURE-THEMED POEM + EXPLORING SHALLOW CAVE…
June 17th, north sea as I ventured to the mouth of the shallow cave…June 17th, barnacles living on the coastal rock…June 17th, looking out from shallow cave…
DAY 18: FIRST DAY OF THE ‘BIG CAMP OUT’ WEEKEND!
From the Wildlife Trust poster included in their ’30 Days Wild’ pack…June 18th, pitching the tent with my nephew, Owen…June 18th, Owen using several useful pegs to keep the tent grounded…June 18th, tent set up and didn’t blow away in the gusty weather…
DAY 19: SECOND DAY OF ‘BIG CAMP OUT’ + ORCA WATCH ALONG COASTLINE!
June 19th, wild orchid…June 19th, iris…June 19th…June 19th, poppy…
Hoping for a sighting of an orca, but sadly no luck this time…
June 19th, north sea coastline…June 19th, guillemots galore!June 19th, no orca spotted, but this fellow popped up…June 19th, a seal doing some ‘people watching’…
DAY 20: READING A BOOK OUTDOORS
June 20th: My reading of a portion of page 11, ‘A Canny Countryside’ by John Horne…
I own a 2nd edition of ‘A Canny Countryside’ which was written by John Horne and features wonderful articulated descriptions of this local area, including the Whaligoe Steps. (Published in 1902, Oliphant Anderson and Ferrier, Edinburgh and London).
June 20th, Whaligoe Steps…
Thank you only always for your time and I hope you have enjoyed the wildlife so far. One more blog which will summarise ’30 Days Wild’ for June 21st to June 30th is to follow, plus a blog about the residential car parking and my near-miss as a car nearly ran me over on the pavement outside my front door!
