Some photos NOT from Graemsay.... part 1

 

Last week I went adventuring on the Orkney Mainland and here are a few photos.  This is Happy Valley, in the parish of Stenness.  Take a few minutes to read the story about Edwin Harrold of Happy Valley on this great local site   Happy Valley is a hidden gem, pretty well hidden.  And the car park is tiny - just 5 cars able to pull in. It most definitely is off the beaten track and it's deliberate to keep it that way.

Above is the burn that runs through the valley.  It's pretty low at the moment as there has been little rain. Something farmers are fretting about.  The first silage cut for animal feed is undertaken in early June and it's a very short cut.  This cut is often used for the dairy cows as it's very rich.   The cow pellet feed they get as a supplement just can't beat proper grass!

A carpet of bluebells just makes my heart sing!

This was Edwin's former home.  It was part of a conservation project a few years ago to maintain the building.  I don't think it is used for any purpose but nice to see it cared for.

Snuggling under the trees there....

A turf roof over flagstones is a traditional method in Orkney to insulate a roof!

An old implement among the bluebells

There are lots of different paths through the wood

That carpet again....

A Monkey Puzzle Tree! Er no not native to Orkney.  But doing OK here!

Another of the woodland paths

This is a bridge and small waterfall over the burn.  But there were other folk around so I didn't stop to take more photos (social distancing and all that).  Next time.

(ahem..... Tom and Rhonda wrote up a tour of Graemsay too if you'd like a little detour after this post. Hee hee! ) 

Around about....

 

The weather has improved and I have been out and about so look out for some photos over coming posts!  But for now here are some more photos of Button and the hens....  oh and some sunsets.....

This was taken at 11pm.  I love the "simmer dim" - the endless lightness of the sky in summer.

And now for a sunRISE..... 4am ..... not often I see the sunrise in the summer!

As most gardeners know - we rarely get time to sit on the bench, that is left to others....

A bit of a preening session in the garden

Button has found the hedgehog tunnel!

A bit of overcrowding in the nesting box!

That's a bit more orderly.....

A visitor - pheasant!

Ladies enjoying a wander among the bluebells

The Hamnavoe ferry sailing into Stromness on a silvery sea

And after a day's excursion exploring - time for a nap...

It's been a while.....

 

It's been a while since I blogged last.  No specific reason, lost my blogging mojo, and motivation generally.  The weather for May has been so disappointing!  Cold, breezy, some rain, cold, grey, did I mention cold.....  I have ventured out and about and met up with friends on the Orkney Mainland, but frankly with grey skies and cool temperatures (did I mention it was cold?) I wasn't inspired to take photographs.  Ho Hum.... we are forecast better weather this next week and as I type the sun is finally shining. Yay!!!

In other news, Orkney is in Level 1 of covid restrictions so pubs, hotels, and most businesses (apart from night clubs and the like) are open.  Only one case in Orkney for some weeks, and lots of folk have had their 2nd vaccinations so things are feeling more stable here.  Though there is a bit of concern once more visitors arrive and of course many Orkney folk travel out of the county too.  But there is cautious optimism about.  I'm still being very cautious as, even though I have had 2 vaccinations, my lungs are fragile and I don't want to take too many risks.

Anyway back to Graemsay - the photo at the top of this post is by Charlie Groundwater who lives over in Stromness.  He goes out for his daily walk and often has photos, using his telephoto lens, of Graemsay.  This one is of Hoy High lighthouse, and the MV Graemsay ferry coming into the Graemsay pier.  It's the 8.10 service, bringing the post (spot the red van), and also the school run taking children to school in Stromness.

These two photos of Graemsay were taken from a light aircraft heading off into the wide blue yonder  but over Graemsay.  Photos taken by John Ross Scott of Kirkwall.

Cat, hens, beach.....

 

Weather is still changeable but we make the most of the sunshine when we can!  And in other news, from Monday Orkney, along with other islands (except Skye) drops to Level 1 in the Covid Restriction model, Moray stays in Level 3, but the rest of Scotland drops to Level 2.  Confused - join the club!  In Level 1 it seems most things can open with a few exceptions and there are various permutations of numbers to meet in homes, hospitality and outdoors as well as weddings etc.  Not a lot will change for me, though I am out and about more, but I plan to stay in Orkney for the summer and just see how things go.  

Anyway back to cat, hens, beach..... Always said Button was a white cat in a full bat suit...

Mmm best to keep an eye on Gimpy Hen....

Never turn your back on an apparently snoozing cat....

Glad someone gets to use the bench!

Keeping a watchful eye on those pecky beaks!

A sulking Button as Gimpy Hen is guarding the entrance to her palace.... she dare not pass...

Oh dear what are they plotting now!

Random tulip!

Down on the beach.....  Button has a roll...... I'm sure she was a dog in a previous life...

Covered in sand....

I think she fancies a paddle?

Spot the cat....

Low tide.....

Thrift on the old pier, Sandside Bay, with Hoy Hills in the background....

Creels on the old pier....

And that evening sky again....