Tag: Dandelion

Part 26 sharing a fortnight of daily treks down and around Whaligoe Steps, Caithness, which is an additional blog entry to the ongoing ‘Whaligoe Steps 365’ challenge which began on May 1st, 2023.

From Monday, April 15th, up to and including Sunday, April 28th, 2024, this blog entry hopes to share photographs of highlights captured around this remarkable bit of Scottish coastline, and incorporating wee video clips too.

Previous blog entry – April Full of Primrose Promise and So Much More! – Whaligoe Eye (April 1st, 2024 up to and including April 14th, 2024)

A blog entry was published recapping all my fortnightly trekking experiences, it can be viewed here – Recap Magic for a Second Time! – Whaligoe Eye

By the time I publish this blog entry, I’ll have tackled three hundred and sixty four consecutive days of exploring, documenting and experiencing the region directly relating to Whaligoe Steps.

Above is a clip of an oystercatcher, a seabird that has been challenging for me to photograph since beginning the whaligoeeye.co.uk website. So fleeting when perched on rocks, they hop around, poke the landscape in search of food, but nevertheless seem so restless and camera-shy.

April 15th, 2024: Birds were the highlight during this fortnight, as different species began settling on the ledges and in the North Sea. Below, I captured some razorbill swimming around just off the coastline, plus a fulmar is pleasantly relaxed on a rocky ledge and enjoying some sunshine.

April 16th, 2024: With tides shimmering and the weather certainly calming down, there’s been more nautical activity out to sea. Also below, a pied wagtail (Motacilla alba) skips on the pavement at the top of Whaligoe Steps enjoying some sunny spells.

April 17th, 2024: One of the resident rabbits bathed in the glow of some morning sun, while in another part of this coastal community a pair of fulmars communicate with each other.

April 18th, 2024: After another April shower, primrose and fulmar added their presence to a hopeful and rustic landscape.

April 19th, 2024: Shag (Gulosus aristotelis) gather nesting materials, razorbill (Alca torda) looks out to sea and a dramatic sky of cloud smothers hints of sunnier weather.

April 20th, 2024: The Whaligoe Steps waterfall…

April 21st, 2024: A clip looking out from the Bink (grassy platform at the base of the six flights of zig-zagging stone steps). The North Sea which hosts Beatrice wind farm, located just over eight miles from the mainland coastline.

April 22nd, 2024: Signs that spring have truly landed on Earth. Below, is a sighting of a baby bunny.

In the evening of April 22nd, the moon caught my eye.

April 23rd, 2024: A young seagull checks out the view as marsh buttercups blossom.

Like the night before, moon and clouds danced in the dark skies above Whaligoe steps.

April 24th, 2024: Seabirds put on a show during this particular morning trek.

Black guillemot (Cepphus grylle) beside a rusty relic, eider duck (Somateria mollissima) – female is brown, male with black and white plumage – out and about on the silky sea. Finally in this feathered gallery is the distinctive oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus).

April 25th, 2024: Slightly blinded by the glare of the sun, I was perched on a large rock on the pebble shore looking out across the shimmering sea… Keep watching, there’s a surprise on the horizon.

April 26th, 2024: Temperatures were a little low during this daily trek challenge, despite it being late April. Yet almost despite the chilled ambience, the sun relented. Below is another lovely sky photograph and one of my favourite dandelion sightings.

On this specific Friday morning trek, while I stood on the shoreline perusing the landscape I took the moment to film a panning clip of the shallow cave ending it with a distant shot of the Bink.

April 27th, 2024: Primrose and sunshine during a breezy Saturday morning.

April 28th, 2024: Waves were well-paced on the sea this Sunday morning, plus abundant seabirds still arriving and settling on the rocky ledges.

Beautiful cloud too…

One more blog entry to summarise and complete this epic challenge will be forthcoming, a whole three hundred and sixty five or more days of walking down or/and around Whaligoe Steps.

Changing of the seasons has been most insightful, the physicality of walking up and down the steps has been quite an experience, witnessing the natural highlights and those storms which battered the United Kingdom were ferocious at times.

Above is a close-up of hailstones from the morning of April 25th. Funny how the sunshine has been so present between April showers, yet the temperatures plunged to such low degrees that hail made an appearance.

Thank you as always for your time and support, your kindness and for being You.

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X (Formerly TWITTER): (2) Whaligoe Eye (@WhaligoeEye) / X (twitter.com)

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EMAIL: WhaligoeEye@gmail.com

Link to what has been achieved thus far with my ‘Whaligoe Steps 365’ challenge – Recap Magic for a Second Time! – Whaligoe Eye (May 1st, 2023 up to and including March 31st, 2024)

Salutations, time for Part 25 documenting my attempts of daily treks down and around Whaligoe Steps, covering the fortnight of April 1st, 2024, up to and including April 14th, 2024…

What a wonderful couple of weeks here in Caithness, complete with plenty of April showers, a solar eclipse, daffodils, primroses and more unveiling signs of spring this year.

April 1st, 2024: With the tide out, I took the opportunity to snap a photograph of the shallow cave (far left) and before you reach it, the pebble shoreline.

April 2nd, 2024: Whilst observing the varied forms of daffodil around Whaligoe Steps, I began to research them a little. Apparently there are 36 species of daffodil, and over 26,000 cultivated varieties!

April 3rd, 2024: The Whaligoe Steps waterfall was entertaining during this fortnight. (Mute your volume as the gusty weather plays havoc with the noise!)

Below, I captured a wee video clip of the wind challenging the flow of water as it descends two hundred and fifty feet.

April 4th, 2024: Waves on the North Sea are so expressive and varied in shape and texture.

April 5th, 2024: Captured during my daily trek, below is a primrose of which many are seen down and around Whaligoe Steps. These splashes of natural beauty and colour, really bring an ambience that spring has truly settled here.

The other photograph shows the descent on to the Bink which at the time of this blog entry remains muddy with wear and tear. With the rainfall over this period, the surface of the Bink was certainly a challenge due to the slippery surface.

April 6th, 2024: Another blustery video clip for you below. Looking out across the North Sea, wave watching.

April 7th, 2024: I recall saying to myself “Hello yellow” as the sporadic appearance of dandelion, buttercup, daffodil and primrose all broke up the rustic charm of the local landscape.

April 8th, 2024: Several mornings during these two weeks I found myself squinting due to the glare of the sun. On this particular trek, I was greeted with just such an outcome.

April 8th, 2024 (in Missouri): My gratitude goes out to a kind contribution from a fan of this humble blogging website, who sent me their photograph of the solar eclipse witnessed in America on this day.

It was only a partial sighting here in the United Kingdom, but as you can see below, it must have been quite an experience to witness such a cosmic event from Mexico to the eastern tip of Canada.

The next partial solar eclipse where about thirty to forty percent will be viewable from the United Kingdom is due on March 29th, 2025.

April 9th, 2024: April showers caught for posterity, creating a subtle waterfall down Whaligoe Steps.

April 10th, 2024: Below are two photographs representing typical highlights of this past fortnight. One is the landfall which is showing many signs of new growth and life despite the landscape changing due to recent storms these past few months.

The other is the presence of seabirds which are populating the rocky ledges of the cliffs here. Thus far, sightings of black guillemots, great black-backed gulls, oystercatchers, herring gulls, fulmars, shags and even razorbills give hope for a busy bird-watching time ahead.

April 11th, 2024: More examples of the coastal feathered activity, plus the winding third flight of Whaligoe Steps.

There are six flights of stone steps here at Whaligoe Steps, each one has a personality. The first three back in 2022 were given a makeover by the stonemason, Charlie Juhlenski.

The fourth, fifth and sixth flights remain a little more rustic and unkempt. During my daily treks I would say that the most demanding one is the fourth, so please be aware and tread carefully as signs of deterioration at the time of this blog entry are evident.

April 12th, 2024: A serene moment of calm ambience as I caught an image of a silhouette negotiating a sunny glare over the North Sea.

April 13th, 2024: During this specific Saturday morning trek, wildlife was restless and enjoying some sunshine.

Wild rabbits can be seen hopping around in various locations around the top of the cliffs here, with of course more seabirds providing some amusement on the ledges. Fulmars below.

April 14th, 2024: This Sunday morning with a backdrop of a shimmering sea, two shags (Gulosus aristotelis) perform in the ambience.

A glaring sun provides torchlight for a new day.

Thank you for your kindness and support up to this point, we’re nearly there!

Here’s that link where I gathered the previous parts of my adventures altogether – Recap Magic for a Second Time! – Whaligoe Eye

I began on May 1st, 2023, tackling the local landscape down and around Whaligoe Steps. Documenting the seasons, weather impact, various storms, coverage of wildlife, birds, flora, and I still feel like I’ve only just scratched the surface. Two more blog entries will complete my ‘Whaligoe Steps 365’ challenge.

It’s been an amazing achievement for so many reasons, and has been a highly demanding and rewarding endeavour. More to follow on all of this. There are plenty of ideas swirling around at Whaligoe Eye HQ.

Take care, stay safe and thank you for being You

FACEBOOK: Whaligoe Eye | Lybster | Facebook

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

X (Formerly TWITTER – GARY): Gary (✌🙄 busy) (@floodland08) / X (twitter.com)

EMAIL: WhaligoeEye@gmail.com

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.

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

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)

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

EMAIL: WhaligoeEyeToo@gmail.com

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 challenge began on May 1st, 2023… New Challenge (Part 1) – Whaligoe Eye

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.

Sept. 13th, 2023: Blazing sunrise below really dazzles.

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.

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

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, only always.

FACEBOOK: Whaligoe Eye | Lybster | Facebook

TWITTER (X): https://twitter.com/WhaligoeEye

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

EMAIL: WhaligoeEyeToo@gmail.com

This is another entry showcasing my attempt to go down and around Whaligoe Steps each and every day for three hundred and sixty five consecutive days, beginning from May 1st, 2023…

Below are a series of highlights photographed each and every day from Monday, August 7th, 2023 through to and including Sunday, August 20th, 2023. All are showcasing moments down and around Whaligoe Steps, located on the north eastern coastline of Scotland.

August 7th, 2023: I found myself not only taking photographs of natural highlights during my daily treks, but also as the traffic and infrastructure issues raised their head right outside my front door, it felt appropriate to document signs of a different sort. So you get on this Monday in 2023 the great black-backed gull and a Highland Council Ranger attending to some duties.

August 8th, 2023: On this Tuesday morning trek, looking down on some coastal rock and observing the beautiful colour of the North Sea. Also a photograph of the old Salt House which has had several purposes over the years, but now remains a reminder of different times when this wee port was full of industry thanks to the Herring Fisheries.

August 9th, 2023: A beautiful sunrise was most welcoming during this visit down and around Whaligoe Steps. During this particular fortnight, I recall seeing quite a few boats. Both sailing vessels and also fishing boats were utilising this stretch of the North Sea.

August 10th, 2023: With our feet back on terra firma, we walk down the 4th flight of ‘Steps out of the total of six flights. Always worth documenting the beautiful and wild flora in this location too, mayweed taking a last breath.

August 11th, 2023: Keeping the mayweed company amongst the grass verges and shrubbery have been a plentiful presence of new thistles. Despite the wren being absent or hidden from sight and sound during these recent treks, Star, the resident cat at Whaligoe Steps has been an entertaining companion. (Most of the time she doesn’t look this annoyed, but I think I was a distraction from her prowling for wild rabbits on this specific occasion!)

August 12th, 2023: Starved of the flowers I witnessed throughout the summer, I focussed my attention on these wee beauties.

August 13th, 2023: White-lipped snail on one of the Whaligoe Steps, plus a couple of wild bunnies skipping about amongst the tufts of grass.

August 14th, 2023: Sneaking an appearance below a band of cloud, the sun takes a look at the coastline across the North Sea. Star on the other hand, decides a bit later in the day to take a walk on the wild side…

August 15th, 2023: Post of seagull has already been filled by this feathered survivor, in what has been a sad presence of Avian flu impacting the seabird population here at Whaligoe Steps. A bird’s eye view of the Salt House and Bink adds some context to this sheltered and remarkable port.

August 16th, 2023: Views from around this location are plentiful. Coastline which provides jagged formations also weave their own narratives. Meanwhile, a fishing boat in the foreground adds height to the wind turbines of the off-shore wind farm called Beatrice.

August 17th, 2023: Visitor numbers over the past three or four months have been consistent and many. On this particular Thursday afternoon I mingled among some tourists and then noticed below me was a drone hovering just above a jellyfish! This was a first for me. Have you ever seen a jellyfish and a drone in the same photograph before? I think this is a Lion’s mane jellyfish.

The other photograph offers up some flora, gently swaying in a soft breeze on this afternoon trek.

August 18th, 2023: Another afternoon-based visit down and around Whaligoe Steps.

Depending where you get your facts, I found out the North Sea is around six hundred miles long and three hundred sixty miles wide. It is also considered the coldest sea in the world with average temperatures of about six degrees Celsius during the winter, and seventeen degrees Celsius in the summer.

August 19th, 2023: Rose-Bay Willow Herb is abundant at the base of the landfall, which can be found tucked away in a corner between the pebble shore and the Bink.

A view of the North Sea disappearing into the yonder from the pebble shoreline.

August 20th, 2023: Below is another wild rabbit. It was fascinating watching it stretch for a tasty bit of vegetation.

A sunrise captured for posterity. There are more of these to come which I’m excited to share in my next blog entry.

Thank you for the well wishes from both the online poetry community and also those who follow Whaligoe Eye via social media platforms. Your kindness, concerns and general interaction are appreciated and welcome.

I’ll leave you with this lovely photo taken of the wren during an early morning trek during Sunday, August 13th, 2023.

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

FACEBOOK: Whaligoe Eye | Lybster | Facebook

TWITTER (X): https://twitter.com/WhaligoeEye

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

EMAIL: WhaligoeEye@gmail.com

My attempt to go down and around the Whaligoe Steps each and every day for a year, starting from May 1st, 2023, is still going strong despite several challenges and events which have been close to ceasing this target.

There are six previous blog entries showcasing a fortnight on each publication with two photographs documenting the day in question I’m sharing.

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

Now it’s time to share with you some highlights from the latest fortnight of visits down and around the six flights which make up the Whaligoe Steps… From July 24th, 2023 up to August 6th, 2023.

July 24th, 2023: It’ll be no surprise that the odd dead seagull was seen floating in the North Sea at this particular time of the year. Enough to raise suspicion that some sort of bird flu may be present. Even the mainstream media had begun speaking about it. A great black-backed gull posed while waves made a splash along the rocky shoreline.

July 25th, 2023: Standing at the base of the landfall, I peered over the vegetation toward the shallow cave on the furthest pebble shore. During this specific trek, I observed a beautiful sky.

July 26th, 2023: Below are two distinctive views from 250 feet on top of a cliff beside Whaligoe Steps. The photograph on the left is looking along the coastline to the north. Looking south, I photographed the coastline jutting out.

July 27th, 2023: A beautiful sunrise on this trek, plus the offshore wind farm called Beatrice. Not always visible with the naked eye from the mainland as it hovers on the horizon just over eight miles away.

July 28th, 2023: Two young gulls go swimming before the abundance of dead gulls appear later (due to avian flu). Meanwhile, Star, the resident feline stretches her claws on a post relating to the John O’Groats trail.

July 29th, 2023: Another beautiful morning greeted me here at Whaligoe Steps, as the sunrise blazed across the skies, delighting the seabirds.

July 30th, 2023: During my early morning saunter, I was standing on the far side looking over the zig-zagging Whaligoe Steps at another stunning sunrise. Also, wildflowers complimented each other with hints of yellow and purple.

July 31st, 2023: Sighting of a grey seal quite some distance out to sea, showing off their belly to a soft sunrise. Meanwhile on land, 250 feet on top of a nearby cliff, a wild rabbit remains alert as a photographer and known blogger attempts to take their photo!

August 1st, 2023: A dandelion provides yet another opportunity to make a sneaky wish. Below is also a chance to admire the stonemason’s work on the third flight of the Whaligoe Steps.

August 2nd, 2023: During this Wednesday morning trek, the bodies of many gulls were littering the pebble shoreline. As a tribute, I took these photos. Here is a link to the RSPB regarding their online information about ‘bird flu’ – Avian Flu (Bird Flu) | The RSPB

August 3rd, 2023: Flurries of yellow and purple break up the greenery here at Whaligoe Steps currently. On this particular trek during a Thursday morning, I observed jellyfish.

August 4th, 2023: Watching a light show out to sea doesn’t happen everyday, but on this particular early morning outing I was able to photograph this cruise liner sharing some speckled neon. A drizzly ambience welcomed me once I reached the Bink at the base of the Whaligoe Steps.

August 5th, 2023: Thistles are doing very well around the ‘Steps at this time of year, plus a wild rabbit greeted me at my front door.

August 6th, 2023: The stonemason’s tribute can be seen on the bend between the second and third flights of Whaligoe Steps. Charlie’s Mum Etta has a wonderful plaque.

That’s all from me for now, but I’m preparing a blog entry which’ll be addressing the car parking fiasco here. I’ve reached out to an MP and have notified a department of the Highland Council. Awaiting replies, but have some amazing documentation which I’m currently negotiating of a tourist urinating against my wall, cones being run over, campervans nearly colliding, a resident holding up traffic and general vehicle-themed ambience as traffic overwhelms this cosy corner of the Scottish Highlands.

To those visitors which I’ve been lucky enough to meet and speak with regarding the chaos here in the residential car park, I wish to say thank you for your patience and understanding regarding the pandemonium. The lack of facilities and infrastructure are something I’ve been addressing for quite some time and as I’ve mentioned prior, the Highland Council were gracious enough to accept some government tourist-related funding and will be investing £90,000 within the next four years from the time of this blog entry.

Take care, stay safe and thank you again for your time and interest.

FACEBOOK: Whaligoe Steps. | Facebook

TWITTER: (2) Whaligoe Eye (@WhaligoeEye) / X (twitter.com)

TWITTER (Gary): (2) Gary (@floodland08) / X (twitter.com)

EMAIL: WhaligoeEye@gmail.com

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?

Take care and be safe.

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EMAIL: WhaligoeEye@gmail.com

Since the 1st of May, 2023, I’ve thus far achieved a visit down and around Whaligoe Steps each day as planned. This blog entry is going to share my daily encounters with the ever-changing palette of nature here on the Scottish coastline, right up in the north of the mainland. From Monday the 12th of June up to Sunday 25th of June… Buckle up!

June 12th, 2023: Our first two photographs representing a warm and sunny day here on the northern coastline of Scotland. Flying seabirds above and pink campion below.

June 13th, 2023: Sea campion (Silene maritima) breaks up the hints of grassy terrain as the sunshine bathes the cliffs…

June 14th, 2023: A warm and mild Wednesday morning witnesses seabirds welcome a new day… Black guillemot found something to laugh about.

June 15th, 2023: Beautiful orchid plays peek-a-boo amongst the blades of grass, whilst on the pebble shoreline I found a stone doing an impression of a Highland Cow!

June 16th, 2023: There are several points of interest here at Whaligoe Steps. Wildlife, natural wonders, history, politics, personalities, landscape, wind farm, etc.

On this Friday morning trek down and around the ‘Steps I decided to capture the greenery which enveloped the landfall. This can be found behind the remaining boat winch, tucked away in a corner before you find yourself on the pebble shoreline.

Also captured for posterity are these fabulous wildflowers. Mayweed and thrift party the daylight hours away.

June 17th, 2023: How about two photographs showcasing the Whaligoe Steps? One shares the sight of the ‘Steps zig-zagging down the cliff. Remember, there are six flights in total. The other snapshot is of the Bink and the salt house remains.

June 18th, 2023: Breakfast for the great black-backed gull.

I found out there are seventeen types of thistle, but when trying to identify this one which grows on the verge of a flight of the ‘Steps, the closest resemblance was a ‘marsh thistle’. Not known for growing in this region of the United Kingdom.

June 19th, 2023: Family of shags which includes two parents and three young ones have been growing up and evolving rapidly. On this Monday morning, I noted it was drizzly and muggy.

June 20th, 2023: During this new challenge, I’ve been presented with quite a series of new adventures. One of which saw me venture to grounds I’ve not seen in many years. The revelation that some rabbit warrens were rife with life and with several quirky characters was fun.

The soft orange glow of sunlight captures the silhouette of a seabird departing a cliff shelf.

June 21st, 2023: This particular Wednesday morning was about the spooky ambience which accompanied the incoming ‘haar’. Some people call it ‘sea fret’.

It’s when warm air passes over the cold North Sea and is most commonly associated with the months of April to September.

June 22nd, 2023: Razorbill ponders life, whilst a trek to the far side of the top of the ‘Steps provided a beautiful sight of another sunrise.

June 23rd, 2023: Rock pipit and three rabbits all take in a sunrise along this rustic coastline of the UK mainland.

June 24th, 2023: Striking blue shades embrace the view over the North Sea, as a wild rose almost goes unnoticed growing in the verge beside a flight of the Whaligoe Steps.

June 25th, 2023: A baby seagull plays hide and seek behind some greenery, as dandelions make a ravishing display elsewhere.

The next blog entry all going well, will take us out of June and into July, 2023.

Changes taking place which I’ve observed include the passing of the primrose, daffodils, eider ducks seem to be in hiding, grey seals too. Family of shags have grown up rapidly, young ones have just left the nest. Rabbits are rife, seabirds are doing well. Offshore, pods of orca have been sighted often along the coastline at Caithness.

Thank you for your kindness and company during this time, it has been a challenge on several levels but rewarding too. I sincerely hope you join me on this unfolding adventure as I continue capturing the images from down and around Whaligoe Steps.

Here’s another photograph of another sunrise I caught during these past couple of weeks…

Take care, sending you positive wishes.

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TWITTER: Whaligoe Eye (@WhaligoeEye) / Twitter

TWITTER (Gary): Gary (@floodland08) / Twitter

EMAIL: WhaligoeEye@gmail.com

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.

There have been two previous blog entries which showcase some highlighted photographic moments which you can visit by clicking on these two links: New Challenge (Part 1) – Whaligoe Eye and New Challenge (Part 2) – Whaligoe Eye

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.

Until next time, take care and safe travels…

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EMAIL: WhaligoeEye@gmail.com

( Summer is getting closer, photograph of the garden during the afternoon of June 11th, 2023…)

So far, so good. In my last blog entry I divulged my hopes to make a trek down Whaligoe Steps at least once every day for 365 days. To capture this momentous series of visits I was planning to take photographs of my adventures, and so it continues.

This is another blog entry showcasing some highlights from the past fortnight. Sit back and browse some newly photographed wildlife around Whaligoe Steps to be included on this website, plus some of the usual neighbours and some delightful ambience. Two photos for each day from May 15th to May 28th inclusively.

May 15th, 2023: Below are examples of the wildlife you may spot on a trek down Whaligoe Steps. A wren sings to the backdrop of a radiant sunrise, while the other other photograph showcases a first for this website, at the top of the Steps a roe deer ponders the morning.

May 16th, 2023: A shag (gulosus aristotelis) gives their wings a little stretch and on this particular visit I also noted how clear the North Sea was. The broken anchor submerged adds some nautical presence.

May 17th, 2023: Time for some vibrant colour and a contribution of flora thanks to the beautiful bluebell and marsh buttercup. During this fortnight, both flowers were prominent.

May 18th, 2023: There is a pebble shoreline at the base of the Whaligoe Steps which is divided into three sections. The furthest section has a shallow cave (pictured below), and the other photograph captures Star in full prowling mode.

May 19th, 2023: There’s a healthy quantity of seabirds to spot around the coastline here, and on day 19, I have these two photographs to share. A couple of black guillemot relax beside a calm North Sea, and trying to conceal their location behind vegetation is an attentive gull.

May 20th, 2023: A striking narcissus insists on being photographed in front of a bank of bluebells. In the other photograph, a typical example of the metalwork which is located at points within the local landscape. It was used for nautical purposes, especially during the ‘herring fisheries’ of the late 1700s onwards.

May 21st, 2023: A male eider duck taking a waddle along a grassy pathway along the top of Whaligoe Steps, whilst a little later during this particular morning trek, light filters through the prominent cloud to add textures to the surface of the sea.

May 22nd, 2023: On two trips down Whaligoe Steps on this specific day, different atmospheres were evident. In the afternoon a seagull swoops down only to get a surprise when a grey seal head breaks the surface of the sea! During my morning visit, I photographed a pied wagtail skipping along on the Bink.

May 23rd, 2023: Again I have examples of an afternoon and a morning in a day at Whaligoe Steps. Firstly, during an afternoon gazing at the movement in the North Sea not too far from the salt house, I caught a glimpse of an otter for the first time down here! Secondly, during a morning exploration beneath a soft sunrise, a pigeon of all things hops from one bit of coastal rock to the next.

May 24th, 2023: There are six flights of stone steps which make up the Whaligoe Steps. Here’s a taster of the first proper flight as you descend the cliff face. Once you have negotiated the six flights (at the time of these blog entries three have been expertly renovated and repaired by Charlie who is shown in previous blogs, while the remaining three are to be approached with vigilance due to their worsening state), there is a platform known as the Bink where you’ll find the remains of a salt house…

May 25th, 2023: Rock pipit unaware I was on a shelf of coastal rock above it, so fortunate to get that photo. Some ambience captured during a really bright sunrise…

May 26th, 2023: During these first 28 days of visiting the Whaligoe Steps, I’ve been privileged to share my journeys with the song of a friendly and enchanting wren on several mornings. In the second photograph below, a female eider duck swims eagerly through a shimmering sea confronted by a sunny glow.

May 27th, 2023: I believe this is a cabbage white butterfly clinging in the sea breeze to a dandelion. The other photograph below is a spectacle I’m enjoying as it unfolds, a couple of adult shags nurturing three babies. They give a distinct squeak at random intervals and at this stage are fluffy and gaining confidence of the wider world in the safety of their nest.

May 28th, 2023: During an afternoon visit, took a photograph of the sixth flight of Whaligoe Steps which takes you to the Bink (grass platform). You’ll notice the salt house which is situated behind. The other photo was a delight, as a grey seal relaxed on a section of coastal rock known as the Shoal o’ the head.

Thank you to those who have shared their well wishes for this adventure and challenge, it’s very much appreciated. To date, since May 1st, I’ve already been thrilled to get a photo of a roe deer, an otter, a good photograph of a rock pipit and a pied wagtail, plus the recent grey seal viewing. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that the local nature continues to share some wonderful moments.

Look out for the next entry in this ongoing observation of life around Whaligoe Steps, as I hope to continue capturing images of my daily visits.

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TWITTER: Whaligoe Eye (@WhaligoeEye) / Twitter

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EMAIL: WhaligoeEye@gmail.com