Old concrete pier - Blackrock

Lugworm casts - Arenicola marina

Blackrock - Loch Indaal

A smelly sign of spring

Spreading slurry at Blackrock

Seaweed as fertiliser

Duncan McGillivray was on the beach at Blackrock at first light yesterday, grapeing seaweed that has piled up after the recent stormy weather.



The box on the back of Duncan's Massey Ferguson (an old 1960's machine that he restored himself) holds about two tons.  Any more and the front wheels come off the ground....



The seaweed is destined for the Islay House Community Garden at Bridgend for use as fertiliser.  Duncan has delivered about 15 tons so far....

It will be barrowed onto the potato patch and dug in...  Best potatoes in the world next year...

Cattle on the Strand at Blackrock

It seems like an eternity since we had a decent day to celebrate.  Even these cattle were looking relieved as I pedalled home this evening...
Carl

Snow on the Paps from Blackrock

The weather on Islay has been glorious this past couple of days.  The temperature has hardly risen above freezing and the ice on the puddles has not melted - but we have had lots of lovely crisp sunshine.  There is no snow lying at sea level - we have only been troubled by the odd flurry so far - and yet we have some rather splendid views of the white stuff on the higher ground.  This is a shot from Blackrock up at the head of Loch Indaal showing the Paps of Jura in the distance.

Scaup at Blackrock

I snapped this flock of Scaup at Blackrock while riding home at sunset earlier in the week.  Before we switched to grey winter mode.
Carl