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Saturday 21 December 2013

Winter Solstice Walk .....




As I've said before, I don't "do" Christmas, but I love a Winter Festival, so today I did my annual Solstice walk, accompanied by Button.  It was a clear, sunny, bright day, if a bit breezy. But compared to the gales we have experienced in recent weeks today qualified as Calm!

Lots of seaweed on the beach after very high tides and high winds.... (good for the garden though!).


And beautiful clouds in the sky....


Button leads the way, of course down the old pier.....


to the shell beach....


Um.... doesn't like wet paws though!


Wonder how long before the coastal erosion brings these old buildings tumbling onto the shore?


Fancy a swim, anyone?


Button, keeping a watchful eye on the incoming tide....


Birds enjoying the respite from being buffeted by the winds.....


Old byres....


And.... Home!


Button, checking out the Graemsay road gritter to make sure it's up to standard!


And "the ladies" come to greet us (hoping for scraps no doubt!).


All calm out West for now...


And then, later....after sunset..... the Hoy hills in silhouette


And time to light the Winter solstice candle to remind the sun to return after the longest night....


The ring of friendship guarding the flame....


So wishing you all Winter blessings!  And I make no apology for sharing again this beautiful short video taken on the Winter Solstice of 2010, when Orkney had snow....


7 comments:

  1. Winter blessings to you too Sian. I like the circle of friendship guarding the flame. Pictures are beautiful. I love how Button goes on these walks with you.

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    1. Thanks Bonnie. I love the friendship circle. I love having Button come for walks with me too - though sometimes I try and sneak out without her so I can go on a longer walk ;-)

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  2. I love your Solstice friendship circle...all that warmth on a cold winter's night.

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    1. I love the friendship circle too - it was a gift from a friend - appropriately! I've been lax on reading blogs etc so hope all is well with you and yours!

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  3. Thanks, as always, for the lovely photos. We usually do a Welsh solstice walk but our little boy wasn't well so it was just a candle this year. Happy solstice! And thanks year round for the blog.

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  4. Thanks, as always, for the lovely photos. We usually do a Welsh solstice walk but our little boy wasn't well so it was just a candle this year. Happy solstice! And thanks year round for the blog.

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    1. Welcome to Graemsay! Hope your little boy recovered enough to enjoy the festivities. Thanks for your comments. I see you are from Swansea! My father was originally from Brynamman and we always used to go on holiday to the Gower coast (Mumbles) when I was a child. Many happy memories of Swansea and the old Market there (laver bread and cockles!).

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