Waulkmill Bay
Most Sundays the Biker Man and I spend the afternoon visiting favourite haunts and trying to find new ones. We started today's tour at Waulkmill Bay on the south west of the island. When we visited Orkney last year we spent a happy morning on this wide sandy beach, taking photographs and watching the wildlife. Today the tide was in, the air chilly and we watched the wildlife from the comfort of the car. Cheating I know, but we did have a great view of a grey seal swimming in the bay whilst we enjoyed a hot cup of coffee. And yes, we did remember to pick up the binoculars from the kitchen before we set off.
We also found a new 'favourite spot' today. The Hill of Midland. This even required us to do some walking - so we also got some exercise. As you'll see from the photographs, the view was spectacular from the top. On the way up I photographed Graemsay, looking splendid in the sunshine. This is the island in the blog Life on a Small Island and as you can see it is idyllic, sitting in blue waters between Hoy and the mainland.
We also found a new 'favourite spot' today. The Hill of Midland. This even required us to do some walking - so we also got some exercise. As you'll see from the photographs, the view was spectacular from the top. On the way up I photographed Graemsay, looking splendid in the sunshine. This is the island in the blog Life on a Small Island and as you can see it is idyllic, sitting in blue waters between Hoy and the mainland.
Graemsay in the sunshine at about 2.45 p.m
At the top of the Hill of Midland is a trig (triangulation) point and the view from here is spectacular. It's possible to look across to South Ronaldsay, and then turn to view Flotta, Hoy, Graemsay, Stromness on the mainland and then look up to the higher heather coated hills of the mainland behind you.
The top of the triangulation marker
Identification number
Looking out over Scapa Flow
Graemsay looked wonderful in the sunshine, but the clouds were already gathering
Minutes later a snowstorm raced across from Stromness and headed towards Graemsay
Graemsay disappeared beneath this snowy cloud but within a short while it had reappeared and was bathed in sunshine again. As I said in an earlier blog - you can have several seasons in one hour on Orkney!
Finally we headed out to the Brough of Birsay to get our fix of waves being dashed across the rocks and seabirds playing in the wind. Pure bliss.
The waves at Birsay
Oooh what fabulous photos of Graemsay! I love the one of the snowstorm. I was trying to dig the garden in that!! You must come and visit this summer. My email address is on my profile page so do get in touch.
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