Crazy Waterfall Day 18th Jan 2020

Vince set the alarm for 6.30am as he wanted to get the sunrise over Sligachan. I looked out at Pointy Mountain as we packed the car with our photography gear as well as some food for lunch and snacks - no more starvation for us when you can’t find an open shop!

We left at 8.09am but on our way there we got distracted by the light coming up over the Hill of the Red Fox so we took a bit of a detour - what a fabulous view! There was snow all around (sorry Grandies still it enough to build a snowman) and it was just magical!

I managed to get a snap of a sheep in the snow - I tried the day we went to the Quiraing but they all scarpered!

As there was not much wind today Vince was able to finally get the drone up whilst I took some waterfall and mountain shots.

We spent a good bit of time there before moving on and grabbing a few shots of the Old Man of Storr from Loch Fadda. Still no reflection shot to be had but beautiful morning sunlight for a change. The gate at the Fank was open this time so I didn’t have to climb over it.

Then it was on to Portree, we did see Mabel and Bruce (the Highlands Cows just north of Portree) and their fold but we didn’t stop as we were running behind. We had a quick bite at the Granary (just the usual bacon and egg rolls and drinks) then off to Sligachan.

We pulled in at the Bridge and Vince got the drone up again whilst I took more waterfall and mountain shots. I needed to go to the toilet but we couldn’t find anywhere open so I just had to hang on.

Next we headed south to the waterfall we have named the Photographer’s Curse - the one that defeated me the other day in the terrible weather. Even though the weather was great today it was still a bit tricky to get down to it. Apart from steep sides, the ground was uneven from land slippage and very slippery In parts and boggy in others. I used my hiking pole to help me and was extra careful, tentatively testing out the ground with each step before placing my weight on it.

As I precariously stepped into a boggy part my right foot sank deeply almost to the top of my Wellies - the suction of the squelching bog made it very difficult to free myself and as I raised my gaze upwards to call out to Vince in front I saw him also sinking almost thigh high but salvaging the backpack with our equipment above his head. I offered assistance but he told me to stay back.

Thankfully after a bit of a struggle he managed to free himself unharmed but he was in a bit of a mess! Thankfully no need to call the Mountain Rescue or Coast Guard Helicopter - although we did see one flying around headed for the Cuillins.

Undeterred we soldiered on and eventually reached the foot of the falls where thankfully there was bedrock to set up on. We managed to finally get some shots if this elusive waterfall.

The return trip was no less arduous but thankfully less eventful!

Back at the car we had our lunch of Pea and Ham soup and bread rolls. By this time my need for a toilet was getting somewhat desperate but I still had to hang on for the 20min drive back to Portree. At the Coop Vince started the shopping whilst I ducked into the ladies!

On the way home we caught the amazing sunset over the Church at Kensaleyre - it was like an explosion!

Back home at Willie McLeod’s I cooked Chillie Con Carne and made tacos for dinner.

Then it was back out for some Astro photography over Duntulm Castle. It was cold and windy and we had to be careful trekking the cliff face at night but we took our time and looked out for each other.

Back home it was shower and bed time at 11.45pm - what a fantastic but crazy long day!