Storm Babet....

 

Courtesy of Graham Campbell

Despite gale force winds in Orkney we appear to have escaped (so far) the flooding that is seen across other parts of Scotland and indeed England and Ireland.  Gusts were over 70mph and the seas have been huge.  All ferries to Scotland and the islands have been cancelled but planes have still been flying - hmm wouldn't fancy being on them!  

These photos were taken by Graham Campbell, a local chap who loves being out and about and taking photos of wildlife and scenery.

Photo courtesy of Graham Campbell

Photo courtesy of Graham Campbell

I have been cosily hunkered down in my wee hobbit house.  I've been out to fee the garage boys, Ronnie and Reggie, though being semi-feral they are happy to go out and about and shelter in the grass. 

Ronnie is hard core and out demanding breakfast despite a 53mph gale...

His brother Reggie stays tucked up in the garage until I appear....

Button prefers to stay indoors now anyway but does like the window open to "take the air".  Thankfully this is the sheltered side of the house!

The windows are covered in salt so I took the opportunity to take a photo while the window was open, though the sky was blue later when I took the photo of Burton!

The wind starts to die down overnight, and a mere 40mph tomorrow - a good drying day for the washing... hee hee.  Much calmer for a few days after that.  Though I think we get heavy rain then but not to the extent of South.

Ooops - September....

 

Where did it go?! Haven't been out and about that much as still dealing with post-covid fatigue, but feeling better daily so that's positive. 

Autumn has arrived in Orkney after a lovely summer of sunshine, no wind, and warm (for Orkney) temperatures.  Autumn equinox this weekend.  Yikes!  Have noticed the nights drawing in.

Anyway - as I don't have many pictures for this month here are some from the end of August when I was last out and about.

These photos are taken down at the tip of South Ronaldsay, one of the linked South Isles.  The Sands of Wright is a favourite place of mine, and since I moved it's much closer!

The view from Freda!

Sailing away....

I love the sandy beach....

It's a popular spot for campers and you can see why.

People on the beach - I'm not used to that!

Rocky coastline...

Freda living life on the edge...

Afternoon.....

It doesn't show up well but the heather was out on the hill....

And just along the road is home to Snow White and her friends, post Disney success they sought a quieter life I think. LOL!

A wander about...

 

The weather was lovely while I was poorly with Covid. And after a few days I was able to wander about the house and up to the dunes where it is usually pretty quiet in the evening.  During the day it's a favourite haunt of dog walkers, families on the beach and visitors.  But in the evening, although there may be a few camper vans in the nearby carpark or the odd tent among the dunes, it is generally peaceful and I have it to myself. Here are a few photos from my wanderings....

Overlooking St Peter's Pool

At Dingieshowe, looking out to the island of Copinsay.

And just to show it isn't ALWAYS sunny.... a dreich day... and yes that's a bleached rib of a whale by the gabions.  And the road the other side of the wall.

I love teasels, as do the bees!

And finally, Madam Button in an existential ennui....

Well that was interesting!

 

The last few posts were "scheduled" after I had a burst of blogging mojo.  Just as well as for the last 10 days I've had Covid.  Fortunately for me a fairly mild dose, and my GP was on the ball with extra meds in case my asthma deteroirated (it didn't).  Just left with the feeling of fatigue but taking things slowly.

During my incarceration (because a) I didn't feel well enough to go out and about and b) when I did I am aware there are many clinically vulnerable folk in the community and didn't want to spread the virus) I sat and read, listened to music and did a jigsaw puzzle.  Mostly I sat in what I euphemistically call "The Sea Room" as it overlooks St Peter's Pool.  I took daily photos as the weather was mostly lovely (typical when I couldn't get out!) and the cloudscapes and sunsets were amazing.  Summer is coming to a close now and the sun is moving round towards it's autumnal/winter position.  But for now I enjoy watching the evening light from the comfy sofa in the Sea Room.  So here are a few photos of the last week.  

First the sunsets....

Cloudscapes.... smoke signals? Space ships?  Nah - Lenticular clouds...

And yes, of course Button was "looking after me" ahem....  

A walk to the shore....

 

Not quite like walking to the shore on Graemsay and I miss my little Sea Cat who prefers to snooze on the sofa in her old age.  But it is a lovely short walk just a few 100 yards from my house to this gorgeous beach.  And I am very thankful for that!  It is also a popular area for camper vans and campers in tents so I choose the quiet times.

A nice spot to contemplate life or just sit and listen to the waves (Option 2 preferred).

And it's Teasel-tastic time at the moment!

And the Angelica looking good too.