Scotland In Autumn
Posted By Judith on 27th September 2024
Well I’ve been in Scotland again for my second visit of the year, and I have to say the weather was much better than in June.
My journey up was mostly uneventful, though only having 5 minutes to change trains at Newcastle (due to my incoming train being delayed) was a little hairy, but I made it and arrived safely to the traditional cottage pie, this time accompanied by homemade sticky toffee pudding which was delicious.
Our first trip out was to RSPB Troup Head, a place I’ve never visited before.
It’s beautiful and dramatic. There were lots of sea birds as you might expect, but at the height of the breeding season it is even busier, and the noise from their constant calling is deafening. Hopefully I might get to experience that next year.
It took me a while to get my ‘eye in’, but when I did it was amazing to watch the gannets dive into the water at ridiculous speeds. They’re just like little dive bombers.
Having seen the slow-motion footage on TV of how they fold their wings in just before impact, it was fascinating to watch the real thing.
Another day we went to Sandend (not to be confused with Sandsend) where there was probably the strangest sign I’ve ever seen,
and more gannets. No photos I’m afraid, my camera isn’t good enough, but I was getting better at spotting them.
During our walk on the beach, a lady approached us and asked if we had a spare ‘poo’ bag. Nothing unusual in that, except for the fact she didn’t have a dog, and was picking up someone elses ‘leavings’. Our faith in humanity was restored.
On the Monday we sat on Cullen beach in glorious sunshine, and watched Oyster Catchers in the rock pools, accompanied by Aran,
who decided at one point to sit on my knee!
We saw several skeins of geese fly over during my stay, a harbinger of Autumn if ever there was one.
But the highlight of the week was a trip to Brucklay Alpacas, owned by an enthusiastic lady called Carol.
As well as lots of Alpacas,
she also has a beautiful black German Shepherd called ‘Magic’ and 2 cats called ‘Ducatti’ (see what she did there?) and ‘Apache’.
I’ll let the pictures do the talking.
Here are Janice and I walking with Jim and Ivor.
A lovely way to spend an afternoon.
And finally.
On walking back from Troup head we stopped to admire the view and I decided to take a picture of Arran.
Nothing wrong with that you might say.
However, take a closer look!
Graham. Once a cough drop, always a cough drop!! See you next year.
