Saturday 16 February 2013

Blowing the cobwebs away

For a whole variety of reasons I've hardly been out and about in the countryside, and I've missed it. Last weekend I was finally feeling remotely fitter (that is, fitter as in healthier, most definitely not fit though, in fact I'm now probably the most unfit I've ever been in my life) so it was defnitely time to get out and about and blow the cobwebs away.

We decided to visit Rattray Head, although if we'd known how much worse the track there had got over the past few months since I was last there, we might have thought twice about it! It's a fantastic place - but some of the potholes are now so large they're actually the road!! And due to all the snow and rain recently, in a couple of places it was as if you were driving through a small lochan - with no idea of the depth! It's a real pity that the road has been allowed to get into such a state, as it will put people off visiting - unless they have a vehicle suitable for off roading (which we definitely don't)!


 
It was a beautiful day and we enjoyed walking along the beach.
 

There was lots of kelp washed up, presumably from the recent storms. There was lots of marine litter too - more on that here.


 
The ever changing light was great for photography at times, though challenging at times too.
 

The wind blown patterns both in the dunes and on the beach itself were really interesting.

 
The tangled roots of marram grass are binding the dunes together, trying to hold the sand in against the strength of the recent winds.
 
 
The light was great - this is the first time I've actually found the St Fergus gas terminal photogenic!
 
 
The phrase "Middle Earth" did cross my mind though...


A lovely day out.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

As always, stunning photos.

Ian Johnston said...

Great images Fiona - particularly the 3rd and 5th :o)

Kind regards

Fiona said...

Thanks for your kind comments, Sarah and Ian.