Big Fishes…Rainbows…and The Sea !

I’d packed and set off from Kate’s in the lovely sunshine of Lossiemouth, before tanking up with fuel and food at Nairn ( Sainsbury’s, of course !), and then on to Inverness, as I called through there I stopped at the ‘Dolphin Centre’, who directed me down beneath the Inverness bridge, to gaze out at the flowing river to see if I could se any Dolphins…yes, was the answer…although in the distance, and a lonely figure as one swam around out in the River, for a short time, before disappearing.. however my taste was wetted, and off I went out onto the Black Isle, and to Chanonry Point, reputed to be one of the best places in the world to see Dolphins from the shore..

The car park was full, so I was hopeful of it being a good time.. sadly it wasn’t, as I was told most of the ‘action’ had finished, although there were still some porpoises and Dolphins swimming out in the bay, which I was able to see with my binoculars ..and I wandered around for a while, and then returned to Wally, wondering where to stop for the night – in spite of the ‘No Overnight Parking’ (which is actually unlawful !)- I decided to stop the night, and what a night…firstly it was nice and quiet, and secondly the late afternoon sunshine, gave way to a spectacular sunset , which in itself gave way to a Double Rainbow, appearing out of the lighthouse roof  ,the rainbow being a completely full arc..and more special effects to follow.. although unfortunately I couldn’t capture any pics of the stars which were out, and so I settled into bed a ‘Happy Bunny’

From early the next morning I could hear people arriving (6-30 a.m.), but took a leisurely approach to my Dolphin spotting, only going out around 8 a.m., as I sensed the tidal waters turning.. I was chatting to a chap with a big camera set up, and as he was telling me he hadn’t seen anything…two fins appeared from the water, as two Dolphins, or maybe porpoises swam along very close to the shoreline, they spent some time in front of us, it seemed to be a mother and baby…great, and a good start to the day !

From then on I became the ‘spotter’ as different ones appeared from different directions, all swimming past the point I was on ( Chanonry) ,some even performing acrobatics for the watching crowd, who’s ranks swelled as the morning went along ! I was about to go for breakfast just after 10 a.m. as a large pod of Dolphins swam very fast across the bay, flipping over as they went along, and rushed around the point, and off towards Inverness, very satisfying…I wondered whether it would get better ? – it didn’t ! Some lone ones appeared later, so eventually I had lunch, and headed off from there to a Bike trail a few miles away

When I got there I found the trail I wanted to do was closed, and so I went further along to Cromarty, and settled down on the hillside for the night, with views out onto the Moray Firth, and oil rigs being refurbished/prepared…and the rain arrived for the night !

So, before the big day…I’ll wish you all Goodnight !