Tag: Foam

Part 21 of my coverage regarding daily treks down and around Whaligoe Steps which began back in May, 2023…

This blog entry covers the duration from Monday, February 5th, 2024, up to and including Sunday, February 18th, 2024.

There was snow once again, winds and prolific rainfall, plus outbursts of golden rays of sunshine. Momentary hints of the beautiful sunrises which regularly visit this coastline were observed too, plus most encouragingly, the presence of seabirds like gulls and fulmars gathering on the rocky ledges.

Feb. 5th, 2024: Mild and cloudy trek during this Monday moment. The photograph below capturing the wet and overcast day perfectly.

Feb. 6th, 2024: Seabirds wearing fancy dress costumes, or could they be jackdaws?

Feb. 7th, 2024: Below shows the third flight of Whaligoe Steps carrying the weight of some snowfall.

It was during this trek where I was able to photograph and experience an incoming blizzard which I’ll share…

This blizzard was brief, and quite an experience.

Feb. 8th, 2024: Snow remained prominent as can be seen by the photograph below. Sitting on the tips of the shrubbery were hints of snowfall bathed in the rays of a winter sun.

Feb. 9th, 2024: By Friday, most of the snow had thawed. It comes and goes along this coastline at quite a pace.

The photograph below shows off some restless waves of the North Sea and the condition of the fourth flight of Whaligoe Steps.

Feb. 10th, 2024: Waves had become more dramatic as the day rolled into Saturday.

Feb. 11th, 2024: Over the past couple of months, producing significant quantities of foam has been effortless for the North Sea waves during the consistent storms which have battered the U.K. coastlines.

This link over at National Ocean Service, explains further about sea foam and what it’s all about… What is sea foam? (noaa.gov)

Feb. 12th, 2024: A personal favourite when it comes to recent photographs of the sunrises which grace this stretch of the coastline.

Beatrice wind farm is faint below the radiant glare of the morning sun.

Feb. 13th, 2024: The broken anchor which lays around on the nearest pebble shore keeps moving. On this day, nestled among the pebbles and rocks when the tide was sufficiently out, I took this photograph.

Feb. 14th, 2024: To celebrate the association with romance for this particular day, below is a photograph of a couple of fulmars. They’re related to albatrosses and when they mate, they are monogamous for life.

Feb. 15th, 2024: Wet and drizzly ambience wraps itself around the remains of the old Salt House on the Bink.

Feb. 16th, 2024: Standing on the Bink and looking out across the North Sea to Beatrice and the horizon.

Feb. 17th, 2024: Maybe the clouds ran out of energy or exhausted their supplies of rain… Sunshine grows shadows on the third flight of Whaligoe Steps.

Feb. 18th, 2024: From a distance, you can get an overall view of the Bink and see some context with elements like the Salt House, and the placing of points regarding the zig-zagging flights of stone steps descending the cliffs.

So that brings us to a close, as another fortnight is showcased documenting my attempt at tackling treks down and around Whaligoe Steps for three hundred and sixty five consecutive days.

Above, is a thirty second clip I filmed of the waterfall here at Whaligoe Steps. The sun made the experience look gentle and inviting, although the wind on top of this cliff where I was standing remained present.

The next blog entry on this continuing adventure will share photographs from Monday, February 19th, 2024 up to and including Sunday, March 3rd, 2024.

Thank you for your generosity of time, kindness and support. Take care and know I’m sending you positive wishes.

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If you’re curious about my daily treks down and around Whaligoe Steps, catch up with this handy ‘recap’ link – Edit Post “Recap for Whaligoe Steps 365… (Parts 1 to 14)” ‹ Whaligoe Eye — WordPress

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…

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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…

Here’s a link to my blog showing my experience over these days of the weather system – Storm Babet Vs. Whaligoe Steps – Whaligoe Eye

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.

The previous episode documenting my Whaligoe Steps 365 challenge can be viewed here – Whaligoe Steps 365 (Part 12) – Whaligoe Eye

Thank you for your continued support and interest, it means a lot. Take care and know I’m sending you positive wishes only always.

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Not someone who would shy away from a challenge (within reason), I have been pondering over whether it would be possible to tackle a trek down Whaligoe Steps every day for one year. Capturing whatever I witness on each of those visits via my trusty camera for posterity. My challenge began after some preparation on May 1st, 2023.

So as this challenge evolves, I’ll share with you a couple of photographs from each day to give you an idea what a wonder this whole idea should result in. Imagine a 365 day tour of the Whaligoe Steps?!

This is the first blog to share some photographs and observations during the first fortnight…

May 1st, 2023: Drizzly start to my challenge, but saved by some relaxing ambience and a dandelion awaiting a wish…

May 2nd, 2023: Seabirds enjoying the soft glow of sunlight, and a singing wren within the distance of an outstretched arm…

May 3rd, 2023: Above, photographic ambience of an early morning at Whaligoe Steps…

May 4th, 2023: Cloudy start to the day at Whaligoe Steps, breezy and overcast…

May 5th, 2023: Strong winds bring restless waves, while on land the presence of primrose is felt…

May 6th, 2023: Above, photographic evidence of nature’s foam party in the aftermath of the stormy day prior, plus some thrift offer solace with their gentle sway in the breeze…

May 7th, 2023: Plenty of rocky sculptures in this rustic setting, whilst the flora witnesses seabirds glide on air…

May 8th, 2023: A female eider duck paddles in the North Sea unaware of the drizzle which falls, while the broken anchor which dwells on a pebble shore remains stoic in this wet weather…

May 9th, 2023: More rain relents on this day, captured for posterity by the branches of a cotoneaster on Whaligoe Steps, plus the rocks on a pebble shore wear quite a striking sheen…

May 10th, 2023: This month has showcased the differing coats a dandelion wears, while elsewhere around the Whaligoe Steps you may stumble across cobwebs hosting baby spiders…

May 11th, 2023: Side view of the Bink which is the grassy/muddy platform at the base of the six zig-zagging flights of ‘Steps, plus another guise of the humble dandelion…

May 12th, 2023: Three wishes are waiting, plus a view looking to the North Sea from the Bink and including the salt house…

May 13th, 2023: Local feline presence, Star, eagerly watches a patch of grass, as further down Whaligoe Steps you’ll find a razorbill startled at the sudden flight of a resident shag…

May 14th, 2023: Guillemots enjoying the ambience of the North Sea, as a sailing boat soaks up the sea air…

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