Entries about red derr

Evening road trip

As it is still early (and light out), we decide to go for a wee drive this evening (see how I am getting into the local lingo already?)

Before going anywhere, we check out what is at the bottom of the lane leading downhill from the cabin.

Little Lock Broom

Before we even reach the end of the lane, we spot something moving in the long grass in the field next to the road.

Red Deer

Then we spot another – can you see it?

Further down in the field is yet another one, this time a sika deer – the first time we have seen one in the wild.

There are further red deer in the far field, separated from the others by a couple of stone walls and wire fences.

Is she going to try and jump?

I get very excited at the prospect and am poised ready with my camera, but all this deer wants is to fill her belly.

Maybe...?

Yes!

She leaps effortlessly and gracefully to the next field.

She is now one step nearer her two mates.

As she contemplates the next fence, I make sure my camera is ready to catch the action again. I won't get a second attempt at this.

Reunited at last.

We leave the deer to do their own thing and continue to the water's edge, where we see a couple of Harbour Seals basking on the rocks. Another first for us.

On our way back up the lane we see a barn swallow on the line, preening himself.

From here we head out to the main road to make a small circuit around the coast.

One of the things about the cabin is that there is no mobile signal. Wanting to phone my dad, we stop in a lay-by where our lane meets the main road to make the call once we get a connection. It's not a bad view from here over Little Loch Broom.

Being on a mission to find a 'hairy coo' (long haired highland cattle), I am disappointed to see that the cattle in the field here are not what I am after. They are quite cute though.

The scenery along the way is nothing short of stunning, with new, exciting vistas around every bend.

Fish farms on Little Loch Broom

“The light is amazing!” soon becomes my mantra this evening (and for the rest of the trip) as the low sun lights up the already beautiful scenery.

Horses

We stop for me to photograph a couple of black horses in a bright yellow field.

One of them is obviously convinced that the grass is greener on the other side of the fence.

Little Gruinard Beach

Scotland has some beautiful beaches, and this one looks very inviting, especially from a photographer's point of view, with its water-filled ridges reflecting the fading light. Did I mention the light is wonderful here in Scotland?

Little Ringed Plover

We continue on our planned circular trip, although after a while we realise that it is not going to be just a 'quick drive after dinner' as planned, the route is very much further than we realise.

Traffic jam, Scottish style

We see very few other cars, and are a little taken back when we spot these temporary traffic lights. They seem so out of place with the rest of the route.

Despite spending the first 15 years of my life in Norway, which is at an even higher latitude, I am rather surprised to find how light it still is at 22:30 at night.

Although there may still be a reasonable amount of light, there is not enough to get a decent photo of the deer alongside the narrow lane as we make our way back.

We reach the cabin over three hours after we left for a 'quick evening drive'. We go to bed tired but very content.