A wee week (Days 194 - 200)

Day 194 - Grasshopper

 Looking at my diary I worked out that I needed to change the timing of my blog if I had any chance of getting it done in the next few weeks so I've slipped in a 'wee week' of just 7 daily photo's.  And as its just a wee week I thought all my pictures could be 'wee'.  I was lucky enough today to get a grasshopper as my subject - nice and wee!

Day 195 - Feeling dizzy

Today was a scorcher, the beaches were full and the brave were swimming in the sea.  I found it a little hot to be working and ended up doing a quick snap of some little periwinkle shells.  I'm not sure why I like this blurred version the best, but when a large version is viewed (click on it) it seems to make me dizzy.

Day 196 - Peas in a pod

This little pea has sprung up in my garden, I think its an escapee from the bird seed.  But it was small so fitted the bill when I was scouting around for my subject.

Day 197 - Dead bat

Another dead bat, this time a small brown one with little ears. A friend, knowing I had photographed a bat the week before, brought it round. I'd have preferred a bottle of wine! It wasn't very photogenic but it was little.

Day 198 - Statue

This is my little stone statue that I brought back from one of my travels.  It was small enough to carry on the trek without being too heavy and I love it and had been meaning to photograph it for ages.

Day 199 - Moth in the hand

I couldn't believe it when this lady moth decided to come and sit on my hand. She sat there quite nicely, allowing me go and get my camera and  change the settings (all one handed) until I had taken her picture and then she flew off.

Day 200 - Ladybird

The ladybird was not quite so cooperative and as soon as I had taken this shot, it moved and turned its back on me before scurrying down the plant into the undergrowth.  But it nicely brought an end to my 7 wee days.

W is for Weddings (A to Z challenge)

Goatfell in the background of the Big Wooden House Garden

The Isle of Arran is a spectacular wedding venue and has plenty of unique places for people to get married. Every wedding is special but I just love to see the men in kilts with thistle button holes, gathering to the sound of bagpipes awaiting the bride.

Brodick Bay with Brodick Castle

Several of our venues have wedding organisers to smooth arrangements, make sure flowers and pipers arrive - all locally provided, not to mention the catering.  Lucky couples can get married outside (weather permitting), with views to Goatfell, on the beach or in beautiful gardens.

Gardens at the Auchrannie

Some of the venues, such as The Big Wooden House and Altachorvie, both set in fabulous grounds, offer exclusive use and full wedding packages, others like the Auchrannie have private rooms for ceremonies and dining along with a lovely sunken garden.

And if you're not quite ready for the wedding but planning a stag / hen do, we do those too!

Urie Loch, Isle of Arran (A to Z challenge)

Urie Loch - Frozen

This is just a short walk from my house, however it is quite a steep walk and qualifies as a 'good walk'! There is nothing particularly special about this Loch but being close to home and infrequently visited by locals or tourists, it's one I go to fairly often. I rarely see anyone when I do.

Bowser - one of my curious spaniels

In winter it's easy to find 'virgin' snow and sometimes the loch freezes over.  In summer it hums with insects flitting around the heather and birds.  I know the deer visit as I have seen their tracks by the water but the strangest visitor I came across was a naked man presumably meditating.  I guess he thought if he stayed quiet and still I wouldn't see him - highly unlikely that he would go unnoticed as I was accompanied by my two cocker spaniels - they miss nothing and bounded across to investigate!

My 'family' at the loch 

Red Squirrels (A to Z challenge)

The Isle of Arran is a haven for these little creatures who are slowly being pushed out of mainland Britain by the bigger greys (and also by the pox carried by the greys).

For those who follow my blog, you will have already read about ‘stumpy’ the one with half a tail, who after a short absence has just reappeared this week.

The colour range of this little creature, is from a light orangey red right through to almost black.  They have amazing long fingers (or should I say toes - apparently they actually have fingers and toes on each paw - not sure if I believe this) and claws and swivelling joints on the ankle that allow it to sprint down tree trunks without falling.

Young squirrels are called kittens. Oh and squirrels can swim! There are some more amazing facts on this link .

Quackers! (A to Z challenge)

Ducks quack, geese honk but what do swans do.  Well apparently not quack - they hiss, so there goes  my opportunity to put up some lovely pictures of swans!  And I've settled for some ducks in flight.  Ducks are not the most graceful of birds, especially when taking flight, in fact some of the larger mallards, appear to defy gravity when taking off with their plump bodies.

Mallard in flight

Arran has an abundance of wildlife and in particular birds. For the last 34 consecutive years a bird report has been produced by the Arran Natural History Society (through the hard work of various bird recorders over the years, currently Jim Cassels) and in 2013, 160 species were recorded on Arran.

Shelduck in flight

Now ducks are often overlooked, after all, most towns have a duck pond somewhere.  And most people have at some time lobbed stale bread on some muddy bank.  But here the ducks are in their natural habitat, varied in species, with the beautifully marked Shelducks, Wigeon, Mallard, Eider, Teal, Red breasted Merganser, and other less frequent visitors, they are worth watching.  More on the birds of Arran, including recent sightings can be found here.

Wigeon in flight

Pipe Band (A to Z challenge)

What could be more Scottish than a pipe band, and of course Arran has its own. The history of the pipe band goes way back and some detail can be found on the Isle of Arran Pipe Band website.

During Brodick Highland games, many bands come and put on an amazing display culminating in a mass parade around the main show ring.  How they manage to march and play (and breath) is quite beyond me.The highland games is a true spectacle, and for anyone who has never been to an event like this, it's definitely one for the 'bucket list'.  Pipes, Scottish dancers, tossing the caber (and other huge weights), whisky, Scottish beef burgers and generally a fun time. Brodick Highland games are on 9th August this year.

The Arran pipe band can also be seen at other events on Arran throughout the year, such as the agricultural show in Lamlash, at the Castle and also at the museum.

O is for Ocean Breeze (A to Z challenge)

Russell refueling the rib

Living on an island I'm never far from the sea, in fact the road follows the coast all the way around.  I love the coast (I grew up by the seaside), whether it be sunny or stormy days, the sea constantly changes colour and if forever giving up its treasure.  I am always amazed at how many shoes get washed up! And the occasional Viking!

Ocean breeze giving some Vikings a tow (photo courtesy of David Kelso)

For those who are tempted by a little more excitement that a brisk stroll on the beach we have the aptly names Ocean Breeze Rib tours - run by Russell and Elspeth.  Trips include a jaunt around Holy Isle or Pladda, evening cruises, or my favourite out to Ailsa Craig, a crag a few miles off Arran's coast and home to thousands of sea birds.  I also hear there may be night cruises for stargazing later in the year - can't wait.

Ailsa Craig is the sugar loaf island in the background

No take zone (A to Z challenge)

Did you know that we have octopus in Lamlash bay?  Well we do, and a lot of other wonderful sealife. This is solely down to a small group of people who campaigned to preserve our seabed and this small area of sea and coast became Scotland's first 'No Take Zone'. The group (and now a charity) is called COAST - Community of Arran Seabed Trust. Their are some great images of the sealife on their website.

Signs have been placed to show the area and provide information

The 'No take zone' is designed to protect and preserve our coast and seabed, with the hope that it will encourage regeneration.  What most people don't know is that the methods of harvesting seafood, tear up the seabed in exactly the same way tree felling happens in rain forests.  The sea life (creatures and plants) are destroyed along with their habitat. Unfortunately because it is below water it is not easy to see - otherwise the outcry would be long and loud!

Holy Isle in the background

The future aim is to have a larger Marine Protection Area.

Mountain Festival (A to Z challenge)

Next month brings the annual Arran Mountain Festival between the 16th & 19th May, in an event that caters for different levels of ability with the aim of getting out there!  Not only is it packed full of walks, but also lots of social events.  It's a great opportunity to try more difficult walks such as the A'chir ridge, with trained guides to provide the necessary ropes and assistance, or just a gentle stroll while taking photographs.

One of my favourite events is the film night on the 17th - this year being held at the Altachorive - where a series of short films are shown that have been drawn from a variety of outdoor sports and previously shown at the Kendal film festival.

Some events are family orientated and others strictly 'hardcore', such as the Goatfell mountain race! Then on the Sunday night its time for more fun with the pub quiz at the Ormidale in Brodick before more walks on the Monday.

Views are guaranteed, but if the weather permits they will be spectacular!

Lamlash (A to Z challenge)

Lamlash is the largest village on the Isle of Arran and is just south of Brodick.  It sits in a sheltered bay overlooking Holy Isle.  All the main administrative functions for the island can be found here, such as the hospital, high school and police station.

Lamlash with Goatfell in the background

In the centre of Lamlash a monument can be found to commemorate the ‘Clearances’. A time when rural communities were forced move off the land and many emigrated to Canada.

Looking down to Lamlash from one of the tracks at Dyemill

But one of my favourite places is an area called Dyemill.  This is very close to my home and where I frequently walk my dogs and take photographs. There are many walks from the car park, along forest tracks, through woodland and forest, past waterfalls and along rivers. The camera helps to remind me of the beauty to be found and how it changes through the seasons, so that I don't take it for granted.

Footbridge at Dyemill

Kings Cave (A to Z challenge)

Kings cave is a group of caves that are accessible to most visitors to the Isle of Arran.  They are just north of Blackwaterfoot where there is a forestry commission car park. The caves are formed from sandstone and are steeped in history with associations to Robert the Bruce and Irish hero Fionn. Over time the cave has been used as shelter, worship and even a school.  Modern graffiti now mixes with old historic markings.

Some carvings date back many centuries, possibly even to bronze age (Machrie Moor stones are about 1 mile away) and have been worn away or overlaid by both more recent carvings and mineral deposits. A good list of the ancient carvings can be found on one of my previous blogs.

To find all the markings, a good torch is needed to light the deepest recesses of the fork, found at the back of the cave.  And don’t forget to explore the little channels and other caves around.

J is for Jurassic (A to Z challenge)

Say Jurassic and we think dinosaurs, right? And although they may not be around now, there is plenty of evidence on the Isle of Arran to prove they once roamed the land.  Ok, so maybe it’s a long time ago (230 million years) when the isle was connected to a greater land mass but they were here.

Dinosaur footprints

Footprints have been found on numerous sites that are thought to have belonged to lizard like dinosaurs, about 12 feet long, and David Attenborough visited to film a documentary that covered a series of giant millipede tracks (from an earlier period) on the North of the island. And by ‘giant’ I mean the tracks are over a foot wide!

Single large footprint

Surprisingly, I don’t know of any bones that have been found but as the footprints were only found in the last 10 years there is plenty of time for them to be discovered.

Iorsa River (A to Z challenge)

The river and Loch Iorsa are on the west side of the Isle of Arran and run through the Dougarie Estate.  The river can be fished for Salmon and Trout (with a permit, in season) and runs for several miles before joining the sea at Machrie.

River Iorsa

A track runs along the side of the river which makes for a lovely walk, but be warned there are two fords to cross.  One has a bridge, but the other does not and in all but the driest of weather there is water to paddle through. Often several inches deep (or more) it is easy to remove boots and paddle as the track is concreted at this point and easy to walk on.

River Iorsa as it enters the sea

Stunningly scenic, buzzards, eagles and red deer can often be seen, along with other birds (not to mention pheasant that are looked after on the Estate). A walk description (and picture of the ford) can be found on the Walk the Highlands website.

G is for Golf

With 7 golf courses and a driving range on the Isle of Arran, it could be described as a golfers paradise.  The courses are varied and all quite different.  They range from 9 to 18 holes, some have tearooms, some have restaurants.  And some are dog friendly - provided the dogs don't steal opponents golf balls! The courses are Brodick, Lamlash, Shiskine, Whiting Bay, Corrie, Lochranza and Machrie.

Machrie Bay Gold Course

The cheapest way to play the courses is to buy a Golf Pass and the 'Golf on Arran' site is worthwhile checking as there are frequent offers including ferries or meals.  There are a few unique features on some of the courses, such as the red deer which frequent Lochranza, the tee across the road at Machrie and other obstacles such as high tides and wind (lets not mention the midges in summer).

Shiskine Golf Course (at Blackwaterfoot)

I do not play golf but regularly frequent the tearooms, which provide an endless supply of cakes and coffee - some remaining open throughout the winter.

Deer grazing on Lochranza Golf course

E is for Eas Mor

This is one of those gems on Arran that not everybody finds.  Eas Mor means 'great fall' and that's exactly what it is; a 103 foot high waterfall.  It is fairly accessible along a good track that has been improved by the Arran Trust after many years of hard work by the owners to make this a place for everyone to experience the tranquilly of old woodland and hidden glens.

The path is a little steep, but take it slowly and you will be rewarded with views stretching out to Pladda and of course the waterfall.  Explorers will find the turfed resource hut, wild flowers and plenty of wildlife.  The energetic can continue the walk along the path up to Loch Garbad (in summer take insect repellent). This path can be a little muddy and at present provides additional interest with some krypton factor style obstacles - I'm sure these will be cleared by the summer.

Loch Garbad

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The double day blog (Days 73 - 84)

For those who read my blog you will be well aware I am doing an extra challenge this month which has more to do with writing than taking photographs. But I will still be blogging my monochrome diary regularly and this is my latest batch of black and white images.

Day 73 - Goatfell across Brodick Bay

So the last 12 days have seen me get snowed on, blown off my feet and enjoy some sunshine.  On day 73, I set off in delightful sunshine – a beautiful spring morning and managed to capture a lovely picture of Brodick bay despite being snowed on! 

Day 74 - This tree survived against the odds.

The weather held and both my dogs decided they would come out for a walk (as you know Bowser doesn’t bother if it’s raining).  I had a moment of concern when I seemed to lose him and had to whistle, only to discover he was happily raiding a couple’s lovely picnic!  Thank goodness they were dog friendly and I slunk away trying to ignore the footprints on top of the bench! I did want to take a picture of their wicker and gingham picnic basket but thought it would have been a bit cheeky to ask under the circumstances, so settled for this bizarre tree root.

Day 75 - Mum giving me a death stare!

I now travel along the Ross every morning and am enjoying the spring lambs which are out in the fields.  I like it when they are a little older and start to frolic with each other a bit more. Mum was being very protective, so I didn't stop long (not that I had time).

Day 76 - Still waters

Wednesday I did a reccie of a wedding venue, to check the gardens and see how ‘firm’ the grass would be, that’s hoping the weather will be good enough for the service to be outside.  The sun was just right and created a lovely reflection in the water feature. If we can’t get outside on the day, not to worry as there are plenty of interior alternatives.

Day 77 - Arran distillery

Missing the convoy on Thursday I took the opportunity to drive round the north end of the island and drop some leaflets off at the Distillery.  I noticed they have changed the entrance doorway.  It looks much better (although the leaflets are now hidden) and more welcoming. I really must get here when there are no cars – it could make a lovely photo.

Day 78 - Cows

Friday saw some of my regular students completing another short course and we went for a walk at Cladach.  The cows didn’t seem to be camera shy, unlike most animals and the magnolia were in full bloom, along with some rhododendrons.

Day 79 - Old cones

Saturday was a day for chopping down a tree, sorting out the wood store and only realising late in the day that I still needed a photo – so many missed opportunities.  So a quick run out turned up a cluster of old fir cones, still clinging to a branch. Job done!

Day 80 - Old bones

Sundays challenge, was to photograph wagtails and getting to grips with my 2x extender on a monopod.  I can’t cart my tripod everywhere and wasn’t sure the mono would be strong enough for the job.  Taking Watson along with me, I did succeed and despite nearly dropping the main lens, the flighty wagtails were captured.  Watson was very quiet while I was ‘working’ and I quickly discovered the reason – not sure if this is bovine or seal!

Day 81 - Stuffed!

Monday is my manic day – cramming so much in, I rarely finish before 9pm.  But I snapped this greedy Chaffinch in my feeder when making a cup of coffee (I'm not the only one cramming too much in).  Seriously cropped but I think you get the gist of why I spend more on bird food than dog food!  I think I’ll rename him chipmunk!

Day 82 - A misty day over Lamlash golf course

Ahh, April Fools day and maybe I am foolish but I have added an extra challenge to my life.  Just for this month (hence the double blog day).  This is a daily blog and more for the writing than imagery but it should meet my need for some colour!  Not that I could find much on this grey day when I took a walk to Dunan Beag.  The sign says 200m – be warned its very steep! But after a choice of photo's I settled on this one, on route, with views over the golf course.

Day 83 - Millipede in disguise

I actually set off to photograph some large orange millipedes that had been residing under a piece of slate in my garden.  But true to form, despite having been there for weeks,as soon as the camera appeared they disappeared and I was left with this poor substitute beetle.  Very tiny and very active, it would not stay still!

Day 84 - Passable for the agile!

And the last of this series was taken on my krypton factor walk, which I undertook to get some images for my other blog challenge and letter E.  So to find out where it is you will have to wait for tomorrow's blog!

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