A pebble beach. Cold wind, the waters of the fjord lapping the polished stones of the shore. A faint smell of trees hanging in the air. A crowd, gathered in expectation.
People are waiting patiently. Some carry binoculars, some have huge, paparazzi-style lenses. Dogs are nonplussed but make the most of the unexpected circumstance: plenty of chances to play with other dogs.
Then, it happens. Feet from shore, so close you can almost reach it, the black back of a dolphin emerges.
Then another, then another. Or maybe it’s the same two, who knows. But on and on they appear, apparently feeding on some underwater table of plenty.
Where could this place be? Norway? New Zealand? Vancouver Island, maybe?
– § –
Early morning after a night out camping. The sun is rising behind a knot of fluffy clouds.
The sand is an unbelievable pink, soft but firm under our feet. The water explores all the possible permutation of the blue palette, growing darker as it deepens. Seagulls squawk to one another.
We stroll up to the foreshore, eyes looking for shells left by the retreating sea.
I must admit to being surprised by Scottish beaches when I was there many years back. Some were absolutely gorgeous, especially on the Isle of Lewis. Could have almost been a tropical paradise… If I wasn’t freezing my tits off!
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Yes, the north coast is littered with fab beaches and, on the drive south, we stopped at one near Newcastle that was properly gorgeous… but the water should be at least 25C for yours truly to stick in even a pinky toe!
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Scotland is one of Europe’s best kept secrets.
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Guarded by an entire country with the stupidest speed limits ever. 70 mph FFS!
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I was going to guess somewhere in the UK, up north. Did you venture into those waves?
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Not a chance Julie! It requires a lot more global warming (or my body to be encased in blubber) for me to even consider that!
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I never would have guessed Scotland but I guess it did look cold. A great mystery for the day after Halloween!
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Glad I could keep you guessing!
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Beautiful pictures. We had a great time in Scotland last October. Breathtaking scenery and such easy driving compared to Ireland! Made it over to the Isle of Mull, Arisaig and then east to Aberdeen (with a must needed stop at the Glenfiddich Distillery). Lots of driving.The furthest north we got on the east coast was the Bullars of Buchan. Would love to go back someday. The Scottish rainbows were amazing.
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A loy of driving on one lane streets! We did 2,500 miles in 5 days, coming from London… great place though
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I thought it might be the missing dolphin of Dingle! Gorgeous. What a magnificent place. Thank you for the inspiration of other places as the walls feel like they close in here in the US. Fingers and toes are crossed that we are going to step away from fascism soon — but alcohol and Irish passport application on hand, just in case.
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Fingers and toes crossed for you Tricia and good luck for the Paddy passport!
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I was guessing that it was somewhere in the UK. When you revealed that it’s actually in Scotland, I thought to myself, this is another reason why I should travel to this part of the world one day. By the way, I have just received your book (yes, I bought the hardcopy version because I like to disconnect from my gadgets when I’m reading a book). I can’t wait to read it!
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Hey Bama, thank you so much for buying it. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts!
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How exciting to see the dolphins! Beautiful photos Fabrizio. I would never have guessed Scotland.
Alison
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Thanks Alison! Indeed Scotland was a surprise this time.
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What a lovely contrast between them. There is something very soothing about the ocean, but I definitely prefer to walk on a sandy beach.
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Met too. Pebbles are just too hard!
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An uplifting little post and great read the morning after the election…just what I needed. I like the different looks of the ocean in your photos. Cold and northern looking in some and almost tropical in others.
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Glad I could provide some distraction, Caroline. Those elections are proving to be a real drag, aren’t they?
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Fingers crossed. Looks like it’s going in the right direction.
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Proper nail-biter!
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Great post. Had to be a Brit swimming… 😉
Tutto bene?
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A Scot indeed!
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LOL. I remember a day trip to Brighton a summer a few years back. Bloody wind everywhere, the Brits happily tanning on the beach and SWIMMING! 😉
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Hey, you got lemons… make lemonade!
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Just ran out of lemons. 😉🤣
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Ah yes, the sandy beaches of Scottish Highlands where one can play with the dolphins in the warm waters… 🙂 The last two photos show an awesomely perfect place to spend a day ~ even if it is bundled beneath a down parka. Enjoy this read.
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Thank you, Dalo! 🙂
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What a beautiful experience! I love the way Scottish coasts look in the winter. Wishing you a very healthy and safe new year.
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Thanks BT!!!
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Ciao, ciao, amico mio. Long time no hear. Tutto bene?
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Salut Brian!
Yes, all good here… Hope all is well with you! Just taking a bit of a reflection pause, not much to say to be honest with you. Looking forward to opening up again and to get the itch to travel and write again.
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I can imagine. I’m just about going bonkers here. You had moved to a new place if I recall? Same job? Glad you’re ok. Buona notte.
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No, same place but the job is going to change… keep safe!
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Nice. I had the feeling you were not entirely happy in that job. 👍🏻
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How true! Looking forward the new adventure & new travelling… we’ll see.
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Best wishes. Buona notte.
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And you!
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