There was plenty of rain yesterday afternoon and through the first part of the night. I decided to have a wander along the road to Smoo Cave. I was a bit late setting off as I couldn’t decide what to wear. Not because I have an extensive wardrobe but the weather couldn’t make up it’s mind. Eventually I decided to risk it in a shirt and fleece. I got wet.
Lots of Meadow Pipits to keep us entertained on our stroll. It’s only a mile or so but there is no alternative to the road and I don’t like walking on roads, this road has a steep uphill bit and I dislike uphill. Not very much going for it has the road to Smoo Cave.
Allt Smoo. I was hoping for much more water than this. This burn feeds the waterfall inside the cave.It’s not looking good.
This is the pot hole leading into the cave. They have done a great deal of work here to improve access but the new bridge has such high guard fencing that you have to hoick yourself up and lean over to get this view. It’s more dangerous than it was before.
This blow hole gives a side view of the cataract descending into hades. I suspect this is where Donald MacLeod, assassin to Clan Mackay, used to dispose of his victims.
The view from the top of the cave looking out over Geodha Smoo to the sea. The Arctic Ocean it should be called, it’s freezing.
This is the entrance. It’s got lots of very nice ferns, lichens, Rock Doves, Fulmar and Starlings. People were starting to arrive so I thought I would save the inside for another day when there is more water flowing. It is misty and damp. I was using the 430EX strobe and it isn’t even damp proof. A bit worrying when I stop to consider the voltages it generates. I did have a good look round inside so will leave you with a couple of snaps.
The Water Trickle.
I nearly had an embarrassing accident. I was standing in the dark flashing away when someone decided it was opening time and switched these lights on. Frightened me to death it did. The 430 strobes aren’t really powerful enough. I have some old Vivitar ones which I’ll check for shoe voltage. I suspect they will be 300v. They can be fired manually and one of them is waterproof or was twenty years ago. I’ll pop back early one morning set some light stands up, leave the camera on bulb and hand fire the flashes. I’ll also try and get some pictures of the Rock Doves. To be honest they look suspiciously like a feral pigeon to me but I’m assured that they are posh birds.
Time to head home. No. I’m not swimming round the corner I’m walking via the road.
Have a wonderful week.
Adriaan what is this great with these caverns this makes me very curious.
ReplyDeleteBas, they are made of limestone have a look here:
DeleteSMOO CAVE
There are many more references on Google. The geology here is unique.
Amazing cavern Adrian, that must have been a lovely walk.
ReplyDeleteBob, caves are difficult to photograph. This one doesn't have anything like stalactites or stalagmites so nothing to really focus on. I'll try for ferns and rebuild the snoot.
DeleteWhat an amazing looking site. Can't wait to see more.
ReplyDeleteFeral/Rock dove always a pain to separate not made easy by them cross breeding I wonder if there might be peregrines too it looks good for them
Douglas, It is an interesting place. Birds have lots of space up here so I suspect were raptors nesting here then the pigeons and starlings would be somewhere else.
DeleteThese pigeons are really posh better than what Queeny has.
I find potholes quite terrifying. My late husband used to take parties of schoolboys potholing. Aaaaaaaagh.
ReplyDeleteFrances, this is a show cave so it doesn't involve crawling through mud. I didn't even get my feet wet.
DeleteThat's a fascinating geological formation. I'm with Frances on potholing: quite quite beyond my comprehension.
ReplyDeleteGraham, I get claustrophobic but there is plenty of space in here.
DeleteYou get to visit some very interesting locations. It's a very beautiful area. as I've said many times it reminds me of the Arctic with no trees. You have more and thicker plant cover.
ReplyDeleteRed, were it not for the North Atlantic Drift it would be very cold here. We are around 59 degrees north.
DeleteFascinating place, I look forward to seeing more of it.
ReplyDeletePauline, I'll go back. It looks as if we will get some rain today. I'll maybe get back tomorrow. I like the place.
DeleteEstupoendo reportaje. Me gusta esa cueva!!
ReplyDeleteUn abrazo.
Tienes cuevas mucho mejores y más grandes de España
DeleteA very breathtaking place.
ReplyDeleteMaria, it's fine. I am staying in a wonderful place.
DeleteYes!!! You are in the land of REAL Rock Doves. Not the bull$hi! we have here:) Or so the Ornithologists tell us. The zillions of Rock Pigeons around the world are all feral. REAL Rock Doves are disappearing even though they look the same. So I hope you got your eye on one or two because apparently their populations are decreasing.....even though they look like the ones here in my neighborhood. They must have a gold tie or something that makes them different:) This place looks frigid but up my alley. And blow holes are cool but they frighten me. What a way to die if you fall into one! Okay, no more horrid visuals. It looks like you are having a lot of fun. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteChris, They do have a few distinguishing features but I have yet to be convinced.
DeleteIt is warm enough here but the weather is very mixed.