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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.
Orkney U3A Photo Group One - June 2022
by Tim Wright - 20:31 on 14 June 2022
Twelve of us met at the Sands of Wright to walk around Hoxa Head. Two of the party decided to remain at the Sands and photograph the Camper Vans while the rest set off in cars to Hoxa. Unfortunately on arrival rain set in despite the dry forecast. After 20 mins it eased and off we went up the path. Lots of Marsh Orcids to photograph plus Arctic Terns, Ring Plovers and Redshanks on fence posts. As we got to the head the rain became heavier and one car group turned back while the other four photographers went into the various old wartime structures keeping dry and the shutters active. They returned along the cliff when the rain eased off and finally the sun made an appearance. Heading back to the Sands for a cup of tea this group were distracted by the Moorhen's nest with chicks in that is alongside the road, with mother skulking in the background.
At the Sands the photos from Stronsay were perused. The blue Byre Doors were a popular subject but the sunny weather really made the colours come alive. Best image was Sally's Spray photo along the cliffs by the Vat of Kirbister with a photo bombing Fulmar.
The project "Curves" showed Curves from Swan Necks to Pythons and lots in between. Curved church ceilings seemed to be a popular choice but York City Walls walk was a fine curve indeed.
The next meeting will be 13th July at 2pm in St Mary's in Holm.
The Project will be "Yellow ".
Keep clicking, Tim.
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