Welcome to my challenge of venturing down and around Whaligoe Steps for each and every day for an entire year. As my adventures continue, I’m accumulating quite a few photographs and also documenting a lot of activity. Therefore, I felt it only appropriate to provide you with links from my previous blogs…
Here are some links to previous blog entries showcasing my visits from May 1st, 2023, up to and including Sunday, November 12th, 2023…
The first fourteen blogs covering my daily treks down and around Whaligoe Steps since May 1st, 2023 up to and including November 12th, 2023.
I hope you find it interesting, maybe beautiful and also stimulating. To focus attention on one specific location and watch it evolve and change over the seasons thus far, has proved most intriguing.
Nature continues to share changes and new revelations. I’m currently in the process of sorting two more blogs bringing us up to speed with the calendar as I have successfully maintained my daily treks to this very point in time.
Thank you, only always for dropping by and supporting my endeavours and for being You.
Daylight is becoming shy as the season of autumn falls on this coastal location at Whaligoe Steps, in Caithness, Scotland. Sightings of the moon in conjunction with some more beautiful sunrises give nature a presence so precious.
Links to the previous episodes which document my attempt to go down or around, or both, regarding the six zig-zagging flights of rustic stone steps known as Whaligoe Steps, which wind their way down a two hundred and fifty foot cliff face can be clicked on below…
I began these adventures walking down the Whaligoe Steps each and every day from May 1st, 2023… By the end of this month of October I will have succeeded in tackling a trek around this rustic coastal location for a whole six months. Encounters with deer, rabbits, curlew, various seabirds, a stoat, a grey seal and being gifted the many witness accounts of varying sunrises have all shown me the wonders of what the natural world has to offer, alongside the coldest sea in the world.
This blog entry is sharing some highlights collated from October 2nd, 2023 up to and including Sunday, October 15th, 2023…
Oct. 2nd, 2023: In one direction was a stunning sunrise over the North Sea… I turned around and noticed behind the flora, a faint but present moon fading into the daylight…
Oct. 3rd, 2023: A rabbit plays peek-a-boo whilst a dazzling sunrise takes place on the horizon, melting clouds and shimmering at the beginning of daybreak.
Oct. 4th, 2023: Despite the temperatures dropping, the wind picking up and the general lack of daylight, the local flora still puts on a show during the overcast conditions of the day.
Oct. 5th, 2023: Off-shore wind farm called Beatrice is just over eight miles from the coastline, and the shadows of the wind turbines loom in the foreground of another scorching sun.
On this particular trek, I caught a glimpse of Star as she went hunting in the verge…
Oct. 6th, 2023: Shades in a sunrise differ depending on the skies. Not that it would cross the mind of a grey seal, which was spotted at Whaligoe Steps perusing the local waters…
Oct. 7th, 2023: Early on a Saturday afternoon, I was fortunate enough to not only witness a rock pipit hopping from stone to stone, but also one of the wild rabbits which inhabit a vibrant community here at the ‘Steps.
Oct. 8th, 2023: Looking magnificent after Charlie’s stonemasonry, the second flight of the six which make their way down the cliff face.
Despite the drizzle during this trek, I was pleased to witness the grey seal swimming around in some restless tides.
Oct. 9th, 2023: Waves became excitable when analysed closely, yet from a distance they rapidly diminished when seen within the context of a radiant sunrise.
Oct. 10th, 2023: Jagged rock and the Whaligoe Steps provide the shapes for what nature likes to work with. Below is a point beside the Bink where a hole exists filled with rubble.
An angle taken of the ‘forgotten flight’ (fifth flight of Whaligoe Steps) as it curls towards the Bink.
Oct. 11th, 2023: There’s gold in them skies I tell you!
During a Wednesday trek I was astounded by the beautiful sunrise. A wonderful opportunity to capture a silhouette too.
Oct. 12th, 2023: Talking of silhouettes…
These past few days, the waterfall has been rife as the water from the higher ground has been adding to the generosity of flow.
Oct. 13th, 2023: The wild rabbits love the sunshine.
A photograph showcasing the work Charlie Juhlenski did on the third flight of Whaligoe Steps.
Oct. 14th, 2023: A grim day as the weather continues to bite. The lack of seabirds has made an eerie presence to the skies and the ledges of the cliffs, so it was a delight to see this great black-backed gull enjoying the ripe breeze of the North Sea.
Oct. 15th, 2023: During my Sunday afternoon trek down and around Whaligoe Steps, not only was the weather cold and almost uninviting, but Star provided some light relief by being cute.
Jackdaws ponder over which direction to travel via the John O’Groats trail…
So until the next blog entry, I must say with hearty gratitude a sincere THANK YOU for your support reading and looking at these blogs, and for taking some time to check out my postings on social media.
This whole experiment with investing time and money in ‘Whaligoe Eye’ has been a truly profound experience, and with the Highland Council working in the background on how they’re going to utilise their £90,000 budget to create a better infrastructure here at Whaligoe Steps, there is some real room for optimism regarding a safer and more appropriate car park for residents and visitors alike in the future.
I hope you take care, stay safe and have a positive fortnight until my next blog entry.
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.
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…
It’s remarkable how time can seem to be passing slowly, but all of a sudden you realise that it’s been going much quicker. My challenge to go down and around the Whaligoe Steps each and every day from May the 1st, 2023, through to May the 1st, 2024 is still going strong.
This blog entry celebrates a third of my overall challenge (a full three hundred and sixty five days of taking photos down and around Whaligoe Steps) successfully achieved, as four months of consecutive exploring and documenting are now under my proverbial belt.
Within this blog entry, I share with you some highlights from the days covering August 21st, 2023 to the 3rd of September, 2023…
August 21st, 2023: Around this time of year, getting up early and tackling the descent down Whaligoe Steps can provide beautiful sunrise experiences. There are plenty of those which I’ve been fortunate enough to photograph and will be sharing with you. On this Monday, I came across Star roaming around in search of rodents and rabbits.
August 22nd, 2023: Wildflowers are getting a little scarce compared to earlier months around here, but I couldn’t help but capture a flurry of colour near the top of the Whaligoe Steps. In the other photograph below, the zig-zagging Whaligoe Steps eventually settle down on the Bink (grassy platform) where the old salt house still has a presence.
August 23rd, 2023: Wednesday morning had a complimentary sunrise glow. Wild rabbits hopped about and shadows lurked on the third flight of Whaligoe Steps.
August 24th, 2023: Mild and drizzly morning trek revealed the great black-backed gull and hints of wildflower presence amongst the grey.
August 25th, 2023: Liquid diamonds glint in and amongst the grass verges and foliage, whilst the curve from the second flight into the third of Whaligoe Steps shows off great stonemasonry from Charlie Juhlenski.
August 26th, 2023: Due to steady drizzle over the preceding days, the local waterfall here at Whaligoe Steps was generous indeed…
August 27th, 2023: I noticed a few boats out on the North Sea in late August, here’s an example as I witnessed a sailing boat majestically glide through the tides. On land, some rosebay willowherb dances in the breeze to a backdrop of yellow wildflowers.
August 28th, 2023: Rugged landscape captured by my camera during this Monday morning trek…
August 29th, 2023: An obligatory wild bunny skips as the cloud wraps a potential sunrise in a duvet cloud.
August 30th, 2023: Stunning sunrise was witnessed on this particular day. Had to include a photograph taken on the pebble shoreline of the broken anchor too. One of several signatures of a trade which used this wee bit of coastline as a port in previous times.
August 31st, 2023: Silhouettes softly swayed to the coastal winds as a sunrise lit up the surface of the North Sea in a glittering gold backdrop.
This photograph of the moon was taken in the morning of this day and was cause for excitement as there were two full moons in August, 2023. The first one arrived on August the 1st.
September 1st, 2023: Despite the savage wave of Avian flu which struck the seagull population badly at Whaligoe Steps, it’s been a treat to see seabirds still going about their daily business.
Another first for Whaligoe Eye, a sighting of a stoat along the jagged rock coastline was a real bonus. It moved very close to me as it explored amongst the scenery, but I was able to snap a photograph before it darted out of sight shortly afterwards.
September 2nd, 2023: From Whaligoe Steps, you can get a positive view of the North Sea. Occasionally, that means just over eight miles from the mainland you can see Beatrice off-shore wind farm. During my Saturday afternoon trek I witnessed more boat-themed activity as you can see below.
Looking south from the Whaligoe Steps area, curves and contours of the rugged coastline share an ambience.
September 3rd, 2023: Noticed a sensational sky around Whaligoe Steps during this specific Sunday afternoon trek. I was hoping to catch a sight of another stoat, but the skies can offer such beauty at times that I returned home still appreciating what nature offers.
So, another fortnight captured for posterity in my challenge to witness what Whaligoe Steps has to offer each and every day over three hundred and sixty five days. Beginning from May 1st, 2023 and hoping to reach May 1st, 2024, I hope to share another blog entry once my next fortnight is up.
As always, thank you for your kindness and generosity of time. Sharing these images and observations with you has been a revelation.
Take care, be safe and know I’m sending you positive wishes.
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.
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?
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…
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.
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.
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.
A sunrise captured for posterity on the 29th of April, 2023. Not just golden in a visual sense, but an opportunity photographed and shared for what is a blog touching on historic postcards. Postcards regarding this coastline of the Highlands of Scotland, and the fishing industry which celebrated the ‘herring fisheries’ in a big way around the latter part of the 1700s.
Here, overlooking the area along the top of the Whaligoe Steps, not only am I going to share some postcards but I will also share some poetry and an update about some painted stones which I hid around the Steps. Thank you for your time, it’s always appreciated.
No writing on the other side of the above postcard, but it’s a personal favourite showing a sample of the culture. “A Scotch Fisher Lassie”. During the research for my batch of postcards, the number in the bottom left hand corner is identified as a series number, not a date.
This John O’ Groats postcard was sent to Gosport, Hampshire (England), and stamped by the local Post Office in 1929. John O’ Groats is a 31 minute drive (23 miles) from Whaligoe Steps according to ‘Google Maps’.
Another favourite is this postcard of Keiss Castle, posted to Bognor Regis (England) back in 1906. According to ‘Google’ it is a 20 minute drive from Whaligoe Steps to Keiss, which covers a distance of just over 14 miles.
The above postcard provides a glorious hint of the Wick Harbour area, enthusiastic with sea-going activity. Sadly, the year isn’t visible on the other side of the ‘card, but the address it was posted to resided on the Orkney Isles.
As a sample of my ever-growing collection of postcards, I wish to share this last one for now which showcases Wick Harbour (now known as ‘Wick Marina’). What looks like a clock on a building to the left of the above postcard as you look at it, has been identified as a barometer and it’s still there at the time of this blog entry.
Thanks to a gentleman via the Whaligoe Eye Facebook platform, he advised of a tragedy which became known as ‘Black Saturday’ (1848), where a calm night of fishing turned into a deadly storm. As a result of the following enquiry a barometer was installed.
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Recently, Stuart Matthews assembled some fabulous poetry from a community via the Twitter social media platform again, and I am thrilled to say I had two poems included among these talented souls.
‘Weave Words Within Waves’ is now available from all good book retail sources, and is known as the sixth release in his ‘Instant Eternal’ series.
I try to craft and share a poem once a day as often as I can via Twitter, and enjoy reading other contributions daily. These recent poems generally have a photograph I’ve taken included, to provide a context or art-related addition. Here are two of my recent poems which I shared with poetry enthusiasts during April, 2023…
“Like a Flower”
When sooner meets later In poems on paper
Are you dawn, where hope’s reborn?
Are you day, come what may?
Are you dusk, when needs must?
Are you night, losing light?
Manifest moments to make all four Like a flower writes verses here on the floor
The above photo was taken in my garden on the 14th of April, and the poem was crafted on the same day.
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“Ocean Wide”
Like gazing at an ocean wide You seek a truth that’s not denied
To forgive when heart so blue Would mean a sacrifice from you
What lengths would you go To catch that falling star?
When you’ve grown these wings In the near to reach so far
The above poem and photograph date to April 11th, 2023.
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During the 17th of April, 2023, one of the neighbours dropped by to assist with some stone-painting. Decorating stones and pebbles with all manner of designs proved both therapeutic and fun for all concerned. Some of these stones are pictured below, and I hid them in various locations dotted around Whaligoe Steps.
Painting these small rocks always provides entertainment in not only the creative process, but also hiding them, and then finding out where they went to. One specific painted stone proved popular and I was notified yesterday (April 30th) that it had made the journey back to Malta!!!
The painted stone you see above keeping the radiant primrose company, was on April 18th, 2023. It was relocated several times and then disappeared. Well, to know it landed in Malta is a lovely surprise, and I thank you for sharing your update and thank you for being You.
As it says on the stone, “Let love sparkle”
I ended up taking a lot of nature-themed photographs throughout April around Whaligoe Steps, and here are just a few I wish to share with you…
As the season is upon us for visitors, nature and adventure, I’ll be adding more blog posts soon.
Until next time, thank you as always for your time and kindness. Sending you positive wishes.
