Edmonston's chickweed in glass

An unusual subject for a glass wave! When we were on Unst, Shetland we went to the Keen of Hamar and found the endemic Edmondston's Chickweed - click here for more info . It's very small and grows in a very harsh environment. I can honestly say with it being an endemic, fairly non-descript and portrayed in glass, it could well be the only fused glass wave of Edmondston's chickweed in existance! 

Prior to firing - it's always tricky estimating the amount of powder - in the sky to get a little colour but not too much.

The finished piece...

Detail...

Portpatrick and Loch Ryan

For our final day, with a good forecast, we headed to Portpatrick to walk along the coast to the lighthouse at Black Head. The weather had other plans though and we were met by fog. An enjoyable walk, but the views could have been better - and it would have helped if we hadn't been peppered by shot from the estate's clay pigeon shoot as we crossed Port Mora beach! Predictably, the sun came out as we returned to the carpark, so we then headed off to Loch Ryan and had a splendid walk along The Scar, which is a shell covered spit at the northern end of Wig Bay.

Looking back to Portpatrick.

Heading north along the coast.

The fog horn - must be near a lighthouse!

..and there it loomed...

Remains of a wreck below the lighthouse...

Sunshine on Portpatrick...

The Scar, Wig Bay.

Loch Ryan.

Plenty of shells including, Cowries, Wentle Traps, Tower Shells, Needle Whelks, Periwinkles, Cockles etc 

Ferry leaving for Ireland.

Looking along the spit.

Isle of Whithorn

After we had been for our walk at Garlieston, we headed down to the Isle of Whithorn - just for a quick meander, as it was really rather warm, for us and Rocky!  Again, nice coast and butterflies. 

The remains of St Ninian's chapel.

Hoverflies in abundance. 

..and the Wicker Man ...

Star Gate : Garlieston

The walk along the coast, to what we call the Star Gate (remains of Crugglton Castle), was perfect for a hot day! Plenty of shady woodland and good, if slightly hazy, views. 

Garlieston...

Flat calm.

Walking along the coast.

From the woodland path down towards the beach.

Shade! 

It was so lovely to see lots and lots of Wall Brown butterflies.

Looking back along the coast from the 'Star Gate'.

...and looking on past the 'Stargate'.

The 'Star Gate'...and below...part of the remains of Cruggleton Castle.

Mull of Galloway

The day before, we hadn't been able to see the Mull, across the sea from Port William. Today we could - so with it being clear and sunny off we set - and it was a glorious day. The highlight was definately the Peregrine that sat out in the open, but the sheer number of hirundines (Swallows and Martins) passing through on migration was remarkable. It was lovely to see so many butterflies as well. Despite it being late summer the flowers were good too, and the heathers - all three species, was coming to its best.

The lighthouse.

Summer...

So calm!

A very grey and polleny bee. I tried to look the species up but didn't realise that bees change their colour with age ..so I gave up! 

It could be Cornwall, Pembrokeshire or many of the lovely rocky parts of our west coast.

Kittiwakes and below...

While admiring the view....

This Peregrine flew round and landed ....

A quick stop off at Sandhead - warm!

Sea Potato.

And back to the campsite for tea and to watch the sun set.

Sea Kale

As I mentioned the Sea Kale at Port William is spectacular! So it deserved its own blog...lovely for design ideas....and maybe a collagraph print.