Welcome to part 23 of my coverage from daily treks down and around Whaligoe Steps. Since May 1st, 2023, I’ve been taking photos and walking around this wee local region of the northern Scottish coastline.
Each and every day has been captured in one way or another for posterity, and has included storms of various names, snow, sunrises, wildlife and various silhouettes, plus the varying landmarks like the old Salt House, the boat winch, the plaques erected by the stonemason Charlie Juhlenski, and much more.
Generally, this fortnight from Monday, March 4th, 2024, up to and including Sunday, March 17th, 2024, was about the seabird population feeling at home on rocky ledges and flying. Signs of spring are really happening too.
Without further ado, let’s get to the action…
March 4th, 2024: A clear sky provided an inviting environment for fulmars and seagulls alike…
March 5th, 2024: Quite a contrast during this specific trek, as winds pushed the North Sea into dramatic poses.
March 6th, 2024: During this fortnight, the Bink (grassy platform at the base of the six flights of steps) was muddy and slippery. Below is the old Salt House and some general ambience.
March 7th, 2024: Back to some landscape bathing in sunshine. The view looking northwards along the coastline.
March 8th, 2024: Happy ‘International Women’s Day’
To acknowledge this special day, I took photographs of the two stone plaques celebrating Etta Juhle and her significant contribution to the Whaligoe Steps. Her son, Charlie was the stonemason who had these incorporated to the area, and has also made an invaluable contribution to the state they’re in when visitors drop by.
(There are blogs dating back to 2022, which add references to Charlie’s appreciated and marvellous handywork and trade skillset).
March 9th, 2024: Captured flying seabird silhouettes in a sky full of battle with sunlight and cloud.
March 10th, 2024: Personally, I feel I occasionally capture a photograph of something which seems to exhibit a tremendous presence in texture.
It doesn’t happen a lot, but below is an example of the North Sea being my model, and within the waves and tides a particular atmosphere is presented in the shapes and shading.
March 10th, 2024: During this particular day, I was able to position myself on the pebble shore and caught a short video clip of coastal ambience…
March 11th, 2024: Awaiting an abundance of new life as spring parades the catwalk, it’s a game of patience in some respects…
March 12th, 2024: “Get off my ledge!”
March 13th, 2024: These last couple of months have provided some beautiful skies. Below, among the glare of sunshine is a swooping seabird celebrating what it is to have freedom and wings.
March 14th, 2024: On top of Whaligoe Steps you may find a landscape crawling with wildlife. The humble rabbit, chomping on grass and rather alert to predators goes about a natural business.
March 15th, 2024: Thus far, I’ve witnessed a solitary daffodil plant located in the area of the Whaligoe Steps. Beautiful and vibrant yellow flowers break up the rustic landscape.
March 16th, 2024: A sunrise begins an ascendancy among clouds within a bright blue sky.
March 17th, 2024: To complete this blog entry, for Sunday, March 17th, 2024… The photos below showcase the trail descending the Whaligoe Steps, breaking up your journey with each flight and section.
If you were to tackle this physical course, on this day, the landscape you see below is what you’d be walking amongst.
Beginning your descent from the top left hand corner and letting your eye flow to the right, a track with grooves and gravel beneath your feet. This is then followed by a short series of stone steps.
Then you tackle the six flights of Whaligoe Steps…
Many thanks for your support, generosity of time and kindness, as always I like to acknowledge how much it means.
I hope that I get to share the next instalment of my daily trek challenge with you as I aim to achieve an entire 365 consecutive days walking down and around the Whaligoe Steps.
I just wanted to share this wee video clip of a wagtail, spotted at the base of the landfall here at Whaligoe Steps. Filmed on March 15th, 2024.
Until next time, take care and stay safe.
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