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U3A Photo Group One - May 2022
by Tim Wright - 20:04 on 24 May 2022
What a great day out in Stronsay on Wednesday 18th May. Ten of us made the 7am ferry slightly concerned after a night of strong winds and rain. The sun came out as we left the harbour but not strong enough to dry the outside seats. Arriving in Stronsay we headed to the cafe for refreshments nand a loose plan for the day.
Two cars went off to The Vat of Kirbister and the other went to Mill Sands to look at the sand and peat abnormalities. The path to the Vat has been done up with duck boards and railings, where needed, close to the cliff. The sun was out and the sky blue making the Vat look at its best. There were lots of birds on the cliffs with nesting Fulmars, Shags and Guillemots to the fore. One group walked up to Burgh Head and beyond past Tam's Castle. Bonxies were preparing to nest up there but not yet at their aggressive peak. Although the wind was brisk by the time we walked back we were shedding clothing in the sun and warmth.
Lunch was taken by the old Mill at Mill Bay when the only shower of the day was luckily sheltered from.Then off to Rothiesholm Beach via a stop for some Blue Door photos at a Byre on the way. A short stop at the Lochan before the beach had lots of the usual birds including Arctic Terns and a couple of Shovelers. At the beach one of the other cars from our party arrived as we looked at lots of lovely shells that had been collected. The dunes had an active colony of Sand Martins.Then it was off along the mile long sands to Loch at the far end where among the Shelduck were a couple of Bar tailed Godwits. Lots of bees and flowers to photograph on the way. With the tide going down there was a wonderful selection of patterns in the sand ideal for the next project.
A quick turn about the viewpoint and to the village to see the shed made out of an old boat hull, A final meeting at the old life boat slip with views across to the monastery still in glorious sun was the finale of the photographic opportunities. Then it was back on the boat to look at the project and Swanbister photos plus a couple of lots of ‘green’ photos on the return trip from Stronsay
The next meeting will be on Wednesday 15th June when we will go to Hoxa to take photos. A time and plan will follow nearer the day as we see the forecast and perhaps fix to have lunch or a cuppa somewhere near afterwards. The Project this month is "Curves".
Keep clicking, Tim.
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