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. 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.
Welcome to part 20 of my attempt to share and document treks down and around Whaligoe Steps, for each and every day from May 1st, 2023 up to and including May 1st, 2024. Enjoying and enduring depending on what’s relevant; stormy weather, sunrises, natural wonders, beautiful views and amazing experiences.
Despite witnessing several sunrises, the one thing I agree with is how each one has a unique personality. The above sunrise was captured on a trek during the morning of February 3rd, 2024.
Below is a blog which tackles coverage from Monday, January 22nd up to and including Sunday, February 4th, 2024. Hope you enjoy the first grey seal sighting this year, the sunrises, waterfall and the hints of spring as the seabirds gather on the rocky ledges around here.
Jan. 22nd, 2024: Cloudy trek meant that the sun was concealed, but it didn’t slow down any attempts to shine.
Jan. 23rd, 2024: The bend as the top flight works a route directly into the second flight. The descent down the six zig-zagging sets of stone steps is still quite something even after all these years.
Jan. 24th, 2024: Talking of that descent, it’s best to take it at a snail’s pace.
Jan. 25th, 2024: Steady intervals of showers meant the ground was wet underfoot, plus with melting snow from days earlier all around, water was abundant beside a large mass like the North Sea.
Jan. 26th, 2024: During this Friday morning trek, I found myself gazing at a splendid moon.
Jan. 27th, 2024: Windswept waterfall generously gushing down the impressive coastal cliffs around Whaligoe Steps.
Jan. 28th, 2024: The remaining boat winch located between the pebble shores and the Bink, without snow on it this time…
Jan. 29th, 2024: A wonderful time of year to hug each other in the name of staying warm. Below is a pair of fulmars which have been entertaining company in these recent weeks as they gather on the many ledges.
Jan. 30th, 2024: What a fine morning crowned with a glorious sunrise.
Jan. 31st, 2024: A breezy trek which held me in a gaze towards the shallow cave and the pebble shorelines. These are a little cumbersome to negotiate depending on your physical presence, but occasionally I see visitors down there enjoying echoes against the cliff face or generally exploring.
Feb. 1st, 2024: Both sides of the moon during the morning haze.
Feb. 2nd, 2024: I thought I saw a wabbit, I did! I did!…
Feb. 3rd, 2024: The North Sea wears many masks, but below you’ll see the softer side and the twinkle as sunlight reflects. An anchor which is broken is held in place by a large rock, moved by recent storms.
Feb. 4th, 2024: Salutations to the wonderful grey seal, first sighting of 2024. Hopefully, they’ll be a regular visitor as sadly the body of another recent grey seal was washed ashore during December.
That’s all folks for another fortnight of visits down and around Whaligoe Steps. I mentioned it before, but the thought of local folk in previous generations negotiating the steps on a regular basis, carrying containers of fish and all manner of items in all weathers really speaks volumes. I have nothing but respect and admiration for them.
All going well, the next blog entry will be covering and documenting highlights from Monday, February 5th up to and including Sunday, February 18th, 2024.
Thank you, only always, for your kindness and support. Take care and know I’m sending you positive wishes.
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…
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.
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.
I’ve been wrestling a few distractions recently, so haven’t succeeded in publishing a blog about my continual adventures with the area around and down the impressive ‘Steps, but will be catching up with my entries in the coming weeks. This one will kickstart that process by covering November 13th, and finishing with November 26th… A fortnight of strong winds, chilly temperatures and some rustic landscapes.
Nov. 13th, 2023: Typical of this specific trek, a blustery and slightly chilly experience with waves dancing against coastal rocks.
Nov. 14th, 2023: Accumulation of foam was abundant during this Tuesday morning trek…
Nov. 15th, 2023: Despite the turning of weather and the challenge of negotiating rain and gusts, the skies remained triumphant in their many colours and textures, making it a pleasure to witness throughout this fortnight.
Nov. 16th, 2023: Beneath such stimulating skies were appearances from a companion I always welcome. Star the cat, in good form…
Nov. 17th, 2023: During my Friday trek, I was greeted with a beautiful and tangled sunrise as cloud and sunshine wrestled before me.
Nov. 18th, 2023: A common silhouette I photographed throughout this month and December.
Nov. 19th, 2023: I’m a self-confessed ‘student of life’ as I’ve mentioned in other blog entries, but capturing silhouettes against the beautiful skies here at Whaligoe Steps has been fun and interesting.
An example of visitors to this area, even in late November.
Nov. 20th, 2023: Dwelling beside puddles in the below photograph is the one remaining boat winch, overshadowed by the formidable cliffs which reach up to the skies at around two hundred and fifty feet high.
Nov. 21st, 2023: Looking down from the third flight of Whaligoe Steps, I noticed how turquoise the North Sea became during this cold November day.
Nov. 22nd, 2023: Did I make mention of the third flight of Whaligoe Steps?…
Nov. 23rd, 2023: It seems somewhat foolish to forget Whaligoe Steps also dwells at night time. The day has plenty to offer, but below is a photograph of the moon over this area on a Thursday evening.
Nov. 24th, 2023: Below is an example of a gushing, windswept waterfall here at the ‘Steps.
Nov. 25th, 2023: Now then, don’t leave any carrots about or something may pinch ’em. The rabbit population is present at the top of Whaligoe Steps and around the top of the cliffs here.
Nov. 26th, 2023: Another sky-related photo as looking up offers a chance for daydreaming.
Hope you enjoyed looking at this captured moments during the fortnight which was from Monday, Nov. 13th up to and including Sunday, Nov. 26th, 2023…
My next blog entry will continue the momentum of sharing captured moments from Monday, Nov. 27th, 2023 up to and including Sunday, December 10th, 2023…
Thank you for sticking with me during my daily trek challenge, for just being You really. The support and kindness shown via social media has been appreciated, and those occasions I get to meet folk who visit Whaligoe Steps and share their anecdotes. Sending you positive wishes only always.
Take care, stay safe.
Here’s a fun one of Star during my trek on November 25th…
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.
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.
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…
Thank you for joining me for this latest blog entry which is documenting a fortnight of my daily treks down and around Whaligoe Steps. Having the luxury of living so close to such a feat of engineering where six flights zig-zag down the side of a 250 foot cliff, is something I appreciate more and more with each day thanks to such a beautiful array of natural wonders.
My intention is to venture down or/and around Whaligoe Steps each and every day for three hundred and sixty five days, gaining a better insight and flavour of the changing of seasons in this beautiful coastal location. The fortnight covered in this blog entry goes from Monday, 4th September through to and including Sunday 17th of September… It proved to be a period of time which celebrates the golden glow of sunrises.
Sept. 4th, 2023: Sunrises are interesting and unique thanks to their cloud formations which spread light in varying directions, but they also provide interesting and striking silhouettes. The moon on this particular Monday was also out to socialise with the sunrise.
Sept. 5th, 2023: Star has kept me company on many of my recent treks, and below you can witness her stretching her claws.
Despite the recent wave of Avian flu impacting the seabird population here, there are still signs of the natural cycle spreading the wings of defiance too.
Sept. 6th, 2023: The remaining boat winch reminds us all of nautical times which were rife along this rugged coastline in the past, as wildflowers even in early September provide speckled colours among the grey and green.
Sept. 7th, 2023: During my Thursday morning trek, I found myself witnessing another beautiful sunrise.
Sept. 8th, 2023: A jackdaw soaks up the rays of the distant sun, while mayweed sighs in the shade.
Sept. 9th, 2023: Sparkling liquid gold provides a home for a silhouette during another sunrise, which also provides a wild rabbit the chance to play peek-a-boo…
Sept. 10th, 2023: The great black-backed gull was seen on many treks during this time, as a pair of them regularly perch and observe their surroundings.
Some ambience captured as the wildflowers in the area are gradually transforming with Autumn approaching.
Sept. 11th, 2023: An opportunity during my Monday trek to capture some landscape. Such jagged and provocative rock shapes grace the coastline here. Beautiful skies too.
Sept. 12th, 2023: I witnessed Caithness Seacoast on this specific trek. You may recall my trip on a tour their provided down the coastline from Wick Harbour to Whaligoe Steps – See Coast – Whaligoe Eye
Also below, on this day I witnessed a stunning Red Admiral butterfly flirting with the prominent dandelions around here.
There have been several moments where the wild rabbits here at Whaligoe Steps entertain with their hopping and curiosity. To capture three of them in profile like they are below is an unusual and fascinating sight.
Sept. 14th, 2023: More sunrise themed ambience captured during a brief window on this Thursday morning trek down and around Whaligoe Steps.
Sept. 15th, 2023: During an early morning trek I get to experience a natural peace, a tranquillity where the wildlife go about their business and the skies whisper to the landscape. The two photographs below showcase the rocky coastline and the spacious North Sea on a typical September morning.
Sept. 16th, 2023: There have been sightings throughout my daily treks of many varieties of boat out to sea. Here’s an example of just such an observation.
A photograph of my view standing on top of a two hundred and fifty foot cliff looking up the coast.
Sept. 17th, 2023: A wee black wild rabbit hopes I haven’t seen it as I pan my camera over some grassland on top of the Whaligoe Steps.
Star on the hunt during a relaxing Sunday morning stroll…
I hope you enjoyed these photographs, and if you get the time and inclination there are previous blog entries covering plenty of fortnights where I am documenting my walks down and around the Whaligoe Steps.
From the off-shore wind farm called Beatrice to the beautiful sunrises I have recently witnessed, know that I’m sending you positive wishes and I’m grateful for your support and interest. It really means a lot.
Stay safe, take care and I hope to bring you another instalment from my daily adventures exploring down and around Whaligoe Steps as a third of my challenge is already completed.
Thank you for your company and precious time as you join me for a trek down and around Whaligoe Steps every day for twelve months.
Yes, a way to capture a moment or moments for every day of the year in a location which boasts wildlife, beautiful wildflowers, rich coastal history and interesting characters – from May 1st, 2023 and hoping to eventually reach May 1st, 2024.
The photo of the moon above was a wonderful point as I glanced upwards during my morning trek on Monday, 10th of July, 2023. At that moment I had no idea what was going to transpire over the next fortnight and what would end up being published in this next chapter, sharing the world down and around Whaligoe Steps.
The last four days from Wednesday, the 19th of July, 2023 to Saturday, 22nd of July, 2023… The time of year for visiting Whaligoe Steps is well and truly upon us. I’ll explain why I’m sharing this abundance in traffic here in the tranquil landscape of Caithness in a moment as I share each day from the 10th of July to the 23rd of July during my attempt at walking down and around the ‘Steps for a whole year. Suffice to say that a lot of traffic descending on an area which was designed for a handful of residents is going to have some sort of fallout.
July 10th, 2023: During a mild sunrise on this specific Monday morning, all seemed calm. Jackdaw spotted surveying the scenery from a fence post.
Much later in the day, during the evening I observed plenty of boats moving around on the North Sea from Whaligoe Steps. This cruise liner I believe is German.
July 11th, 2023: During my trek in the morning I negotiated a drizzly beginning of the day. Sadly, things got worse when I arrived home in the evening to find my outer wall had been destroyed (again!) I believe the security camera image in the middle shows someone who may know a lot about how my wall was knocked down.
The reason why I leapt in and made a website called WhaligoeEye.co.uk was because nobody was doing anything about the large volume of visitors to the area. The infrastructure was designed for the residential area and is maintained by the Highland Council. Due to the significant increase in traffic and presence of people, my outer wall has been knocked down twice now, I’ve nearly been run over, and many other examples you can imagine living with such a situation have taken place.
It’s very stressful living here, yet also very beautiful too.
July 12th, 2023: I found the trek the following morning rather cathartic. Cloudy and calm, wet and wild.
July 13th, 2023: Cliff face which overlooks the Whaligoe Steps. It is roughly 250 feet up from the North Sea. The other photograph shows that despite being just over eight miles from the mainland coastline, the Beatrice wind farm is still quite visible.
July 14th, 2023: During this month I noticed the razorbills and guillemots had departed this bit of the northern Scottish coastline, and also how the young shags were keen to spread their wings and move further out to sea. Despite the abundant wildflowers starting to disappear from view, there were still splashes of colour to find among the vibrant green shades.
July 15th, 2023: I stumbled across a dandelion which was alone, yet full of life. As my trek on that particular Saturday morning continued, I found myself on the far side looking across at the slim but steady waterfall. Sir Billy Connolly made a joke about the waterfall back in the 90s, saying something akin to “It’s the only waterfall I’ve seen that goes up the way!”
July 16th, 2023: Mustn’t forget about the wild rabbits around here. Also on Whaligoe Steps when the rain has been busy, you may see plenty of snails lurking along the verges. In this instant, I witnessed one actually negotiating the Whaligoe Steps. I’m not a snail expert but I pride myself on being an individual who keeps learning all the time. After some research, I believe the snail is a white-lipped snail (Capaea hortensis).
July 17th, 2023: Local resident moggy, Star, is a welcome companion, but since May 1st, 2023 when I took it upon myself to try out this challenge, the singing wren has also been most enjoyable. In full song in the photograph below. Also, wearing a delicate coat of raindrops and possibly dew too, a wild rose which grows right alongside a flight of the ‘Steps.
July 18th, 2023: Below is an example of the young shags getting more courageous and venturing further out within the North Sea. At this time of entering my blog, I can say that this morning I only witnessed three lone young shags on a rocky island. Maybe the others have now left?
The other photograph is a moment where the the gushing water right at the top of Whaligoe Steps is approaching the point where it descends down the cliff face. If you look at July 15th, that’s the point where the water just drops into the North Sea, but just before that point you can see the momentum as it negotiates the wild flora.
July 19th, 2023: A slightly wet and gloomy Wednesday morning trek which provided me with a fabulous opportunity to photograph a great black-backed gull quite closely. Also, during a muted sunrise, I noticed how the fire speckled artistically behind some wild vegetation.
July 20th, 2023: The sunrise on the morning of the 20th here at Whaligoe Steps was delightful. The rabbits certainly enjoyed it as they were out and about with a flurry.
July 21st, 2023: During these later days of July I’ve noticed the newer thistles bursting into flower and looking rather striking at the top of the ‘Steps. The other photograph is of a gull chick. They’re becoming more courageous too and seem to be growing up at a hasty rate.
July 22nd, 2023: The remaining boat winch has a presence here at Whaligoe Steps. There was at least one other back in the day, when this was a bustling harbour during the successful herring fisheries.
Mayweed has stayed true as the daffodils and other flowers have gone over. This large daisy-looking wildflower really provides the environment with some personality.
July 23rd, 2023: This very morning (Sunday, when I’m assembling this blog for you), the sunrise was very curious. Cloud formations made the light fierce in one specific part of the sky. As it settled, I then witnessed it glisten on the surface of the North Sea ripples.
There you have it, another fortnight of moments captured on each of the days from the 10th of July, to the 23rd of July, 2023.
If you’re wondering about my outer wall, the question is really about whether it’s worthwhile spending money and time getting it rebuilt (again) only for another visitor to crash into it? If you’re new to this story, then let me also remind you that the Highland Council relatively recently advised they were investing £90,000 in expanding the residential car park here which will most certainly make a difference.
The sooner they can get on with the job in hand, the better for my mental health.
I’ll sign off with positive wishes and gratitude to you and yours, until the next fortnight when I hope to continue my challenge incorporating images from each and every day. Maybe more boats from the coastline, or stunning views, wonderful wildlife, breath-taking beauty, stories of adventure?
Since the 1st of May, 2023, I decided I was going to capture images for a daily visit down Whaligoe Steps over a whole year. That’s the equivalent of around 365 visits or more. Thus far, I’m still on target to reach this ambitious goal.
This next blog entry reveals some highlights selected for May 29th, 2023 and every consecutive day until June 11th, 2023… Nature in all of it’s proverbial glory, rain or shine!
May 29th, 2023: Sunny morning stroll down Whaligoe Steps, met a lovely Canadian couple who made a new friend of Star (the resident cat). During my relaxing expedition I saw a glimpse of a grey seal, in and among soaking up the ambience.
May 30th, 2023: Seabirds were active during this Tuesday morning. The photo above shows a triple dose of male eider ducks mingling with a shag and a great black-backed gull. As I captured the moment of social interaction, behind me was an angle of the shallow cave from a lower location than is usually observed. The pebble shores in this instance are submerged beneath the surface of the North Sea.
May 31st, 2023: Rock pipit on one of the remaining walls still standing for the old salt house on the Bink. I thought I’d share the other photo as it has a puffin hanging out with guillemots as they all go swimming. There’s a wee colony of puffins not far from Whaligoe Steps, and occasionally one is sighted within this inlet.
June 1st, 2023: Above are photos of some striking thrift which is abundant at the moment, plus on this particular trek down Whaligoe Steps, a sighting of two boats passing each other on the North Sea. Due to the calmer waters at this time of year, I’ve observed a lot more traffic using this picturesque stretch of sea.
June 2nd, 2023: Charlie Juhlenski, the Stonemason who worked on the restoration of the first three flights of Whaligoe Steps in recent years, has set up a touching tribute to his Mother Etta. This can be found located at the top of Whaligoe Steps. Next to the plaque is an authentic example of Caithness slab stone which has scribed in yellow chalk – “In 1792, the Steps were built. 230 years old”.
June 3rd, 2023: Razorbill dancing in the North Sea, while a little later during some birdwatching I noticed an oystercatcher exploring some rock.
June 4th, 2023: A dandelion attracts some curious flies, oblivious to the crowd of guillemots which hustle and bustle along some coastal rock at Whaligoe Steps.
June 5th, 2023: The sea during my trek on Monday was so clear and so still, it was beautiful. In my other photo, a close up of mayweed doing an impression of the Three Tenors.
June 6th, 2023: Abundant Cow parsley crowds some thrift. Fulmars (Fulmarus glacialis) enjoying moments of sun, I bet they have quite a view too!
June 7th, 2023: A ‘Cirrocumulus’ cloud formation greeted me on my trek providing quite a beautiful sky. Visibility of Beatrice offshore wind farm was good for a few days, and I took a photo of a seabird between wind turbines. There are eighty-four wind turbines which are just over eight miles from the Caithness coastline. It became operational back in 2019.
June 8th, 2023: Don’t tell anyone, but I have a wishlist of natural wonders I would love to catch in a photograph. Since beginning this challenge, I’ve already exceeded expectations with a photo of a local deer, an otter and now resident bunnies!
Before I fully descended Whaligoe Steps on this particular morning, my periphery was drawn to a white splodge which caught the bright sunshine. It became apparent that this was no seagull, but a rabbit going about it’s business! I believe it’s being sociable with a jackdaw whilst the other photo showcases a more predictable rabbit image which was situated further along the top of the cliff edge.
June 9th, 2023: There used to be more than one boat winch at the base of Whaligoe Steps, but if you visit at the time of this blog entry you’ll only see one. Birdwatching and identifying has taken me on quite a learning journey which I’m thankful for. The photo above is of a pied wagtail.
June 10th, 2023: Black headed gull flies in the beautiful azure skies, while on the ground a razorbill ponders over the magic of sunbathing.
June 11th, 2023: Some beautiful wildflowers to finish this blog entry. During my Sunday afternoon trek, I observed pink campion being radiant despite overcast skies. Meanwhile, a wild rose graces the verge of the zig-zagging Whaligoe Steps…
Keeping my fingers crossed, I hope to be sharing another fortnight with you at some point as I continue my challenge to capture images of nature and events here at Whaligoe Steps each day for a whole year.
Thank you again to those who stop and talk to me, it’s always appreciated and enjoyable.
I’ll keep updating the ‘Postcards’ section as and when I get photographs of visitors. Thank you to those who are happy to share in the moment, it’s appreciated and really communicates a memory.
