Sugar

Approach a Space like a Conversation

Today I found this old ranting from 2007:

I also do not believe that an object can exist in isolation or be transplanted arbitrarily.  

I like the idea that places and things store an energetic history and memory – or even consciousness.  Once objects and spaces are contemplated as potentially conscious entities, it becomes difficult to ignore the possibility of them having a personality.  

Each object or space can then be approached as one approaches a negotiation or conversation.  

This is an alternate idea to approaching objects and spaces as a possessor or conqueror. 

Whaligoe Steps near Wick Caithness

We went down the 365 Whaligoe Steps to this small tidal harbour. Apparently back in the day, the women would do the steps with baskets of fish. 

The rocks were pretty smooth but we went all the way up in the harbour anyway.

Northernmost

As part of being in the general area of Caithness in northern Scotland it is compulsory to visit John 'O Groats. This is the somethingest point of the British Island according to British cyclists who use this place as the North marker for a large cycling journey. There are many shops and a special booth to take a photo in. We did not do that.

There is another marker and we took a photo or two there:

This is the John O Groats nominee for souvenir of the year

According to maps the actual Northernmost point of the British Isle is Dunnet Head. It is a former military instillation and current bird-watching post. There are some impressive cliffs with tiers of birds nests of various species. 

This is the least windy part of the area. I filled out a 4-page survey for the attendant who was taking care of the information hut there. I hope it is good karma for when/if I have to get people to fill out surveys for me.

Dunbeath Beach near Dunbeath Castle

Looking back toward the pub from the Southern side of the river

Welcome to Perth (The Other Perth)

Perth, Scotland, UK

Visit to the Forth Bridge North Queensferry UK

A while ago Dad let us have a look at some family treasures including a letter from my Grandfather to my Grandmother about what a great time he was having on shore leave in Scotland. He seemed enamoured with the Forth Bridge and so rather than stock up on tweed and whiskey in Old Town Edinburgh, Scott and I set out to visit the Bridge. 

Scott taking a better picture than this one

 The weather forecast was that this would be "the worst day of the week" but it's the only day we have! When it got a bit cold/wet we went for a cup of tea at The Albert Hotel. We watched the bridge out the window. They also had drawings, paintings and photographs of the bridge in frames all around the bar.

This helpful panel was not as weathered as some of the other ones. It had stories about the Queens of Scotland who set up and used the ferry system afterwhich North Queensferry is named. They say since the dark ages pilgrims used the site to cross the Firth of Forth and make trips to St Andrews from Edinburgh.

Ferry device and Forth Road bridge

The bridges - Forth rail and Forth road eventually replaced the ferry service. Apparently there's going to be another one too!

We had great lunch at The Wee Restaurant. We saw the name of it on it's roof from the train when we were coming across the Bridge. I thought that was funny, but all those colourful stickers on the door are for excellence awards and Michelin listings! It was only sixteen pounds for two courses so after getting cold walking around a while we had surprise silver star mega-lunch. 

North Queensferry train station mural 1990: 100 years of Forth Bridge dreaming