Tag: Wild Rose

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 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.

TWITTER: Whaligoe Eye (@WhaligoeEye) / Twitter

FACEBOOK: Whaligoe Eye | Lybster | Facebook

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

EMAIL: WhaligoeEye@gmail.com

Here we are together, experiencing a daily taste of life around Whaligoe Steps.

This blog entry is thrilled to celebrate the duration from Monday, 26th of June, 2023, up to and including Sunday, the 9th of July, 2023.

A fortnight which provided some results regarding photographic evidence of grey wagtails and curlews, the elusive oystercatcher too, plus some stunning views along the way.

Rabbits are prolific, but not all plain brown wild bunnies. For some reason, this area has a culture of providing many different looking rabbits.

Enough of the introduction, let’s get on with checking out some images.

June 26th, 2023: Two gull chicks enjoy the rays of a glowing sunrise. In another part of Whaligoe Steps, a wild rose tries not to draw attention.

June 27th, 2023: You don’t often see birdlife relaxing with bunnies, but on this particular morning stroll around the ‘Steps, such a thing was caught by the camera. In the other snapshot of life around this northerly part of the United Kingdom coastline, a black guillemot swims rapidly by an unimpressed razorbill.

June 28th, 2023: Whaligoe Steps is made up of six flights, here are two of them. Flight number four goes in a nice straight line downwards, although it’s not in great condition like the first three from the top. The other photograph is what is affectionately called the ‘forgotten’ flight as it’s not as large as the others, and is the fifth flight overall starting from the top of the ‘Steps.

June 29th, 2023: Wild rabbits seem to be commonplace along the top of Whaligoe Steps. I wonder if they’re partial to mayweed? I used to call them large daisies, don’t tell anyone I said that.

June 30th, 2023: Talking of the flora around this area, captured for posterity on this particular Friday morning were some Turk’s cap lilies. Plus in the other photograph, what is called red campion befriending cow parsley. I enjoy the gentle ambience of seeing photographs of flowers blooming.

July 1st, 2023: You know how I said there are six flights which make up Whaligoe Steps, this is a photo of the second flight. It was recently repaired and maintained by the stonemason, Charlie Juhlenski. There’s a plaque in the stone work which is a tribute to his Mum, Etta. In the other photograph during this drizzly morning, I photographed the horizon as you look out across the North Sea. According to some sources online, the North Sea is made up of 290,000 square miles of liquid and life.

July 2nd, 2023: An interesting looking wild rabbit, plus one of the pebble shores. When you stand on the Bink (grassy platform at the base of the zig-zagging ‘Steps), there are three notable areas sectioned off by coastal rock. This marks out three areas.

July 3rd, 2023: I’m so pleased to share with you these next photographs. The local oystercatchers have been quite a challenge as they are either early birds, or they enjoy the rough weather of wind and rain. This has made photographing them tricky. At long last, a fairly decent photo.

The wee brown bird is a rock pipit I believe. I’ve seen two pairs of them hopping about around the pebble shoreline.

July 4th, 2023: Not so early during this particular Tuesday morning, I got caught in a light shower during my trek. A cute bird on the actual Whaligoe Steps, hopping around and enjoying life.

Out to sea, one of many boats which navigate the tides along this coastline.

July 5th, 2023: A thistle full of joy along the side of a flight of ‘Steps, plus a photograph of the Bink in front of the impressive cliff face. You may also note the shallow cave which makes up the third area along the pebble shoreline. The wall incidentally on the right within this image is part of the salt house remains, which are merely a shell of their former glory.

July 6th, 2023: What a stunning sunrise during this particular Thursday morning trek. Caught the sun and silhouettes in quite a spectacular moment. I then headed down the Whaligoe Steps to witness the glow over the North Sea.

July 7th, 2023: It brings me a lot of pleasure to share these next photographs. On the left is the distinctive appearance of a curlew standing proudly on a lonely boulder. To know they exist here is another lovely discovery.

Also captured for posterity during this specific visit down and around the ‘Steps, I caught sight of this beautiful grey wagtail skipping around with another one. Sighted around the first pebble shore.

July 8th, 2023: Star, the resident moggy here at Whaligoe Steps has been great company during my treks since the beginning of May. She is certainly not bored of seeing rabbits and rodents!

For about a week or more, the young shags have left their respective nests and have huddled together on a rocky island in the North Sea. From here, they are sampling life as independent young seabirds.

July 9th, 2023: Another intense but brief sunrise. To see the sun like this is quite something.

The other photograph is another angle of the Bink which takes in a bit of the final flight of Whaligoe Steps. Those flat stones next to the flight of ‘Steps are all that remains of what was a boat winch. In early black and white photographs, a boat winch was evident in that location. Luckily, if you visit the Whaligoe Steps, there’s still a boat winch on display. Situated to the side of the Bink, overlooking the first pebble shore.

All going well, my next blog entry covering the challenge of visiting down and around Whaligoe Steps every day for twelve months, shall reveal photos from Monday the 10th of July, up to Sunday, July 23rd.

Wherever your life is sailing to, I hope that you’re safe and have a positive journey. Thank you for your company to this point, it means a lot. I hope you’ve enjoyed these moments and snapshots of nature and life down and around these fabulous ‘Steps. With a history dating back to the 1600s, they are a feat of engineering and stories.

Take care, until next time…

FACEBOOK: Whaligoe Eye | Lybster | Facebook

TWITTER: Whaligoe Eye (@WhaligoeEye) / Twitter

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

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.

FACEBOOK: Whaligoe Eye | Lybster | Facebook

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…

FACEBOOK: Whaligoe Eye | Lybster | Facebook

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EMAIL: WhaligoeEye@gmail.com

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