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 - October 2023
by Tim Wright - 17:20 on 25 October 2023
On an unpromising morning for photography eight of us met at the Car Park at Skaill. It was cold with a hint of rain in the air which thank goodness never materialized.
A walk along the beach side up towards St Peter's Church was the first order of the day. There were lots of birds to be seen feeding on the shoreline including Bar Tailed Godwits and Sanderling. The latter were whizzing in and out of the sea like speeded up clockwork toys. The Church was closed surprisingly but a wander around the graveyard produced a few photos. Then it was a walk back to the Skara Brae Cafe for a much needed coffee break.
The sun put in an appearance then and although most had had enough and went home 3 of us walked out to Skaill Loch to look at the birds. We saw lots of Teal and a single Pochard as well as dozens of Graylags, plenty of Lapwings and a couple of Snipe. Birdwatching done we went back for a very nice lunch of Cullen Skink. So not a great deal to photograph but I expect there will be lots of excellent images and variations .
The next meeting will be Wednesday November 22 nd in Dounby weather permitting. Hilary has kindly indicated that she will entertain us to coffee and cakes afterwards. In the meantime the Project this month is "Light/Lights". Christmas lights should be appearing by then but see what you make of it.
Keep clicking, Tim.
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