Perhaps I have already mentioned that we experienced a lot of “gray” weather during our May visit to northwest Scotland? In fact, the locals told us that it was colder, wetter, and grayer than usual for this time of the year. We even saw new snow on some highlands peaks, and we had at least some precipitation just about every single day. That weather, along with early May time frame meant that we did not see a whole lot of lovely green landscape. But there were a few exceptions, including this spot at Applecross Bay.
Applecross is way out on the western coast of Scotland, a little ways above the Isle of Skye. After Skye we stayed for a few nights in Ullapool, and from there we made a long day’s loop out through varied country to this spot, along the way passing beautiful coastal sections, lochs, mountains, and more. A creek runs into the ocean near Applecross, and along its banks we found lovely trees, new spring grass, and the bright yellow flowers of broom.
This post goes live on July 4, which is usually a day of celebration here in the United States. I’m old enough to remember the 200th anniversary of the country back in 1976. Everyone was excited and there were lots of great events that drew us together.
This year should have been another special day of unity and patriotism, but right now my country is facing perhaps the biggest challenge to its integrity in , well, 250 years. (OK, the Civil War was arguably worse.) I regard myself as am American patriot and I like this country — but this year it just doesn’t feel much like celebrating.
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G Dan Mitchell is a California photographer and visual opportunist. His book, “California’s Fall Color: A Photographer’s Guide to Autumn in the Sierra” (Heyday Books) is available directly from him. Blog | Bluesky | Mastodon | Substack Notes | Flickr | Email
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