Trees, much less groves or forests, are a bit of a rarity in much of the Scottish Highlands, at least compared to what we might expect in similar mountain country in the Western United States. Much of the highlands landscape is devoid of trees, and when they appear they are scatted in small groups… or part of tree farms. So it was a very pleasant surprise to arrive on the coast near Applecross and see these lush, green trees next to the River Applecross.
Continue reading River Applecross
I confess to having photographed this scene quite a few times. I live close enough to Big Sur that I can drive down for a morning of photography and be home for a late lunch. This spot, where the Little Sur River flows across Little Sur Beach and into the Pacific Ocean, has always intrigued me. I stop and at least take a look almost every time I am down there.
Continue reading Little Sur River and Beach
On our final morning on the Isle of Skye back in May, as we drove to leave the island and head north, we came to an overlook of the Cuillin Mountains — or “Cuillin Hills” or “The Cuillins,” as they are sometimes known. These are high (for Scotland) and rugged peaks famed for their climbing opportunities. The range is composed of the higher Black Cuillins, rising to the right side of this image, and the Red Cuillins, which include the large peak at the left.
Continue reading Morning Mountains, Skye
I am definitely not a fisherman. I’ve tried, both in the mountains and along the Pacific coast. But I’ve had few successes and many failures. (Eventually I decided that I did not need to carry fishing gear as an excuse to wander along waterways. A camera is a fine substitute!) But evenI have heard of the historic reputation of the fishing in Scotland’s highland streams and rivers. In my mind, a scene like this is central to that reputation — even I can imagine myself spending a day out in the beautiful landscape, wading in these waters.
Continue reading Highland Stream