Please take a photograph of your group "in action." Don't forget to ask for permission from everyone for the photo to be published on the web. Then email it to the address below and we will upload it to the gallery.
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.
U3A Photo Group One - Jan 2023 (2)
by Tim Wright - 16:18 on 18 January 2023
Seven of us met today at Highland Park Distillery to take photos while the free tours were on offer. We went in to look at the video warmed by a small dram immediately. The video is timeless and very well produced. Some old friends were seen among the workers portrayed.
Then along to the Malting Room which was nicely lit although no one was turning the Barley. Next the Peat Fire is always a favourite. It was burning fiercely and made for excellent photographs. Following that was the Tun Room with a mixture of stainless steel and wooden tuns. One could see inside one of the Tuns and the mechanical stirrer doing its job going endlessly around. The Still Room was next. No photography in there but the door is well open and it is possible to get reasonable photos of the Stills. Going in it was nice and warm on what was a cold day.
On then to the warehouse with dozens of barrels disappearing into the distance. No Angels were seen although they continuously take a share apparently ! Then it was off to the Tasting Room and a lesson in how to taste Whisky. We tried 12 year old and 18 year old, up to the nose and into the mouth and finally with water. There is a difference as the older one is much smoother. A few more photos including the Rebus Barrel End and it was time to go. Many of us had been before, a couple had not but there is always some thing new to take photos of while listening to the excellent Guide.
The next Group Meeting will be Wednesday 8th March in Stromness. More details nearer the time. In the meantime don't forget the project "Clubs and/or Hearts".
Keep clicking, Tim.
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