Saturday, August 8, 2026

Successfull day

 Today was the Waas agricultural show, one of the area highlights. For the first time ( last year's show was cancelled due to high winds),we entered the photography competitions. Jill entered 8 categories and Rob 9. Jill won two trophies, two 1sts a 2nd and two thirds. Pretty good haul. Rob got a 1st



The shield has gone back for repair.








We were pleased as there were lots of good entries.

The day was difficult as it was windy and wet, but the organisers did well and it was a great day.

























Tuesday, August 4, 2026

Adventure time

 Well, for the first time since April no guests, so Jill took the opportunity and at the last minute , got on the ferry to Orkney for a day trip. It was a really calm crossing. After a few hours kip at the old hospital, it was off to Kirkwall airport 


It was a short but stunning flight.

















It rained all day!

After landing, George from the observatory, very kindly drove Jill to where the blue cheeked bee-eater had been seen the day before. It wasn't there and the rain got harder.

After an hour Jill decided to head out a bit and see some of the island, so walked nearly to the lighthouse.



Incredible bird numbers



















It's odd seeing fulmars and tysties on the ground and walls and not on the cliffs.

George called to say the beefeater had been found in Holland House garden , he was coming to collect in half an hour so Jill headed back to meet him at Wrstness. This gave very brief views of the semi p.

And more fulmars. They grey headed wagtail flew over too.







The bee eater didn't disappoint.





Jill the realised her phone had fallen out of her pocket at Westness, so George very kindly ran her back. Found, if a bit wet.

Then it was a wander down the island to the ferry.









The red necked phalarope was a surprise!







Kirkwall was torrential rain, so just a quick walk, pizza and ferry, very very wet!




What a cracking day. Thanks George!

Successfull day

 Today was the Waas agricultural show, one of the area highlights. For the first time ( last year's show was cancelled due to high winds...