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Walking Group One 25th April 2024
Five hardy souls collected today at Happy Valley for the first Hill Walk of the year .The temperature was cool with a North Easterly wind blowing and a hint of rain on arrival.
Off we set heading towards Russadale Quarry, spotting a Buzzard on the way.Turning into the footpath we remained sheltered from the wind all the way to the top of the hill.
The sun was out at the Quarry and a Greenshank was feeding at the edge of the Lochan. Then it was up the Peat road to the summit with spectacular views across Stenness and Harray Lochs, plus a view of the Closed Road beyond the Watch Stone. On the other side we looked over the Flow and down towards the Oil Platform and South Ronaldsay
Then it was back down after a stop for a snack and finally a walk around Happy Valley itself. The Daffodils planted by James and others were looking lovely and the Bluebells are days away from opening. Then it was on to a well deserved lunch at the Pier Cafe, having walked 4 miles and gone up 800 feet (and down again )
The next walk will be on Friday 24th May and hopefully more hills and views.
Keep moving.
Photography Group 1
by Tim Wright - 22:39 on 25 June 2014
Eleven of us met today at Waulkmill Bay in sun and a light breeze. The tide was out so, at times, the sea was aquamarine and looked almost Mediterranean. However it is still cold, not that that stopped Richard's dog showing that the effects of his accident are abating and he paddled with gusto (the dog ,not Richard) Most made it down to the beach where there were interesting stones ,birds ,worm casts and a variety of flowers along the cliffs. Plenty for the dedicated snapper plus a sunbathe for those who weren't .Tea ,Cakes (and pancakes with Jam ) were taken at the Standing Stones ,where we were joined by an ex member, Ann Gilmour ,who is here on holiday from Aberdeen. Nice to see her back. "Boats " produced a variety of excellent images from Gondolas to Lifeboats ,sailing craft of all sorts ,Liners, plus carefully observed bits of boats such as the ropes around a mooring bollard and the excellent framing of the Cabin Door and controls on a fishing boat. Boats are always fun to take photos of as they are usually colourful ,include water and give lots of scope for reflections. Well done ,everyone. Photos taken recently were looked at but there were far fewer of these. My happily exhausted Grand children taken by an equally exhausted grandfather seemed to have struck a cord with us all. They return next week so I expect we will be in for early nights to keep up ! The next meeting is on 23rd July at 10 am (note the change of time ) at the Orphir Round Church .We can walk along the cliff ,up or down the road ,by the Burn or whatever you fancy. Probably then, back to the Standing Stones for Coffee about 11.30 ,as we seem to be able to get in there with no problem and the cakes are nice( unless it is very hot, in which case, we might go across the road !) "Flowers" is the remit for next time but Flour will be acceptable too. There are a number of Gardens open this Sunday across the County but there are flowers galore every where at the moment. Long may the sun shine ;it does so improve the landscape for photographers, TimAdd your comment