Tag: Sky

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. 25th, 2024 – Night: Beautiful moon observations over Whaligoe Steps…

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.

FACEBOOK: Whaligoe Eye | Lybster | Facebook

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

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

EMAIL: WhaligoeEye@gmail.com

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…

Link to my last episode about this daily trek challenge – New Year for my Daily Trek Challenge! – Whaligoe Eye

Other useful links relating to my daily trek challenge: Recap for Whaligoe Steps 365… (Parts 1 to 14) – Whaligoe Eye

Daily Trek Challenge (Part 15) – Whaligoe Eye

Daily Trek Challenge: Part 16 (Nov. 27th – Dec. 10th, 2023) – Whaligoe Eye

Daily Trek Challenge during December, 2023 – Whaligoe Eye

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.

There is a blog entry sharing images of this day which you can view by clicking on this link – Beautiful January Days of White Satin – Whaligoe Eye

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.

FACEBOOK: Whaligoe Eye | Lybster | Facebook

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

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

EMAIL: WhaligoeEyeToo@gmail.com

Part seventeen of my daily trek challenge, where I go down and around Whaligoe Steps each and every day for a whole year. It began back on the first day of May, 2023.

So far, I’ve gone through about seventy-six batteries, two pairs of footwear, a camera, and two computers that packed up on me.

I’ve experienced Storm Babet, Storm Isha and Storm Jocelyn, plus several others, in and amongst enduring ice, snow, rain, sunshine and calm. Still, at the time of composing this blog entry, there are just three months to go before I complete this epic adventure!

This entry covers the fortnight from Monday, Dec. 11th up to and including Sunday, Dec. 24th, 2023…

Dec. 11th, 2023: Below, to kickstart this documentation of my daily trek challenge, is another fine example of the wonderful skies which grace this part of the coastline throughout December.

Dec. 12th, 2023: Throughout November and December, I would encounter Star going about her travels and business. Here she is pondering fascinating things on the top of the sixth flight of Whaligoe Steps.

Dec. 13th, 2023: There is a blog entry (House with Many Names – Whaligoe Eye) which delves a little deeper about this building, which still remains with one whole wall standing on the Bink. Over the years it has been given many purposes and names, but it’s most commonly referred to as the Salt House.

Dec. 14th, 2023: Charlie Juhlenski has worked tirelessly on Whaligoe Steps utilising his stonemasonry skills. This is a plaque, a tribute to his Mum, which can be found at the base of the second flight of steps.

Dec. 15th, 2023: The below photograph is a simple example of what’s witnessed as you stand at the top of the final and sixth flight of Whaligoe Steps which leads down to the Bink.

At the time of this blog post, I notice how the steps themselves look identifiable and you can clearly see the stone. In actual reality, the recent storms have dragged a significant quantity of gravel from the top of the cliffs and deposited amounts all over the various flights.

Dec. 16th, 2023: An example of a beautiful and rich sunrise providing a backdrop to Beatrice, the wind farm located just over eight miles off the coastline here.

Dec. 17th, 2023: Sir Billy Connolly CBE, visited Whaligoe Steps in the nineties and met a couple of locals, Jimmy Miller and William Taylor. During his encounter with this coastal dwelling he noted how the waterfall was the first one he’d seen which goes up the way!

Dec. 18th, 2023: Something peaceful when you gaze at the moon. This is the moon as it looked on this particular Monday over Whaligoe Steps.

Dec. 19th, 2023: We’ve seen Star in different stages of action or rest. Here she is in huntress mode… Watch out rodents!

Dec. 20th, 2023: Below is an example of the occasional build-up of plastic pollution which litters the pebble shoreline here at Whaligoe Steps. I gather up the garbage and carry it back up with me in case you’re wondering.

Dec. 21st, 2023: This is the third flight of Whaligoe Steps. Notice the hint of rainfall which nestles on the surface of each step.

Dec. 22nd, 2023: I love the colouring in the photograph below. Typical of the rustic flora on show during this time of year around here.

Dec. 23rd, 2023: Another example of the flora which has really died back during these winter days. Plenty of cloud and rainy days.

Dec. 24th, 2023: The remaining boat winch looked a little sad for itself during Christmas Eve. I took pity on it and out came the camera.

There you have it for another blog entry showcasing some views and highlights of life down and around Whaligoe Steps this December.

The next blog entry will be significant for taking you and I out of 2023, and letting us in on the beginning of the next year. So, if you get a moment I’d welcome your company as we celebrate Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year with more photographs taken during my daily trek challenge.

While the local population discuss these amazing observations amongst themselves, I’ll say thank you only always for your generosity of time within social media, in person and also thank you for being You.

Stay safe, take care.

Link to the last blog entry if you’re curious – Daily Trek Challenge: Part 16 (Nov. 27th – Dec. 10th, 2023) – Whaligoe Eye

FACEBOOK: Whaligoe Eye | Lybster | Facebook

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

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

EMAIL: WhaligoeEyeToo@gmail.com

To research this area down and around Whaligoe Steps, along the Northerly coastline of the U.K. mainland in the Scottish Highlands, I decided to attempt tackling a trek each and every day since May 1st, 2023 for an entire year. This is another chapter providing some highlights of a fortnight witnessing the colder seasons of the year as we creep from November into December…

Nov. 27th, 2023: This particular Monday trek was mostly uneventful as the environment continues to adapt to the colder temperatures, rainfall and windy weather. Below is a photograph of the deteriorating 4th flight of Whaligoe Steps.

Nov. 28th, 2023: Seabirds around here have significantly diminished in numbers due to various factors, I think. One which springs to mind is the recent wave of ‘bird flu’.

Nevertheless, as November approaches December, my treks encountered these feathered friends in frivolous mood and flying around at the top of Whaligoe Steps.

Nov. 29th, 2023: Skies are an eye-catching natural wonder in this part of the world. This moment was captured during my trek on a particular Wednesday adventure.

Nov. 30th, 2023: Aren’t rainbows a lovely sight?

December 1st, 2023: The second flight of Whaligoe Steps…

Dec. 2nd, 2023: Let’s have a moment with the fiery orb dancing with clouds over the wind farm known as “Beatrice”, and the impressively cold North Sea.

Dec. 3rd, 2023: The local landscape during this specific morning trek was being poked by the finger of winter, as the presence of freezing temperatures turned some of the environment to ice.

Dec. 4th, 2023: During my Monday morning stroll along the Bink here at Whaligoe Steps, I was greeted with a sighting of a grey seal.

Dec. 5th, 2023: Blue was the mood for the weather, and the colour of the sky and sea during my trek on a Tuesday in December.

Dec. 6th, 2023: More ambience captured below, as the blue gives way to a soft orange glow on the horizon.

Dec. 7th, 2023: Throughout November, and still relevant to December, was the presence of impressive wave activity on the North Sea.

Dec. 8th, 2023: You’d be forgiven for thinking that the photograph below is a palm tree! Instead, it’s just another silhouette which caught my eye against a grey and ominous cloudy sky.

Dec. 9th, 2023: Around this point in December, I began noticing the return of the seabirds to Whaligoe Steps. Along many rocky ledges in the cliff face, fulmars and some varying seagulls began arriving and getting settled.

Dec. 10th, 2023: If you’re an animal lover, you may be wondering if you’re going to see a photograph of Star again. Well, here she is taking a break from catching rabbits and rodents.

Thank you for your generosity of time and once again for the kindness you share by simply social media support or by visiting this website. I’ve been fortunate to meet some really kind and interesting people who visit Whaligoe Steps, and as my daily trek challenge continues up to May 1st, 2024, I look forward to more encounters to come.

Here’s a link to my previous blog entry relating to the previous fortnight of the daily trek challenge – Daily Trek Challenge (Part 15) – Whaligoe Eye

Until my next blog entry, take care and stay safe. Thank you for being You.

FACEBOOK: Whaligoe Eye | Lybster | Facebook

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

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

EMAIL: WhaligoeEyeToo@gmail.com

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…

FACEBOOK: Whaligoe Eye | Lybster | Facebook

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

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

EMAIL: WhaligoeEyeToo@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)

FACEBOOK: Whaligoe Eye | Lybster | Facebook

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

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