A different view...

At the beginning of March I took a trip out to the parish of Birsay on the Orkney Mainland. It was a bit blustery and the sky was grey but it was worth a visit.  Once Spring comes it becomes a hot spot for visitors, coaches and camper vans and is hard to get near to park.  So I was pleased to have made the visit when there was almost no one else around!  So here are a few pictures.....

Above is the Brough of Birsay (Brough is pronounced broch to confuse things).  It's a tidal island, with no inhabitants, but has a lighthouse at the top, it's a lovely walk with lots of wildlife, and near the causeway are a mixture of Norse, Pictish and Medieval building remains.  It's an interesting place - but do watch the tides!

The Atlantic ocean can race in faster than you can run!

Here you can see the gorgeous beach and the causeway just under water.

In the distance on the horizon you can see the island of Westray. One of my favourite islands and worth a visit if you are in Orkney!  The only place I've seen puffins!

Turquoise breakers over the flags by the shore, looking West (again to Westray!) .....

This time looking South to Marwick.  On the top of the headland is the Kitchener Memorial, an evocative memorial to the lost of  Lord Kitchener and 736 other men in 1916. On a lighter note, the high cliffs are home to thousands of seabirds in the Spring and summer and the views are gorgeous!

Meanwhile, back at home..... when I left the house Button was still in bed....

Though Charlie, the barn cat, was happily awaiting breakfast.

And the girls had been up for HOURS.....

And as the 1st March was St David's Day (Patron Saint of Wales - Land of my fathers and all that) there were daffs in the garden....

And in the kitchen, of course....