Reminiscing of last year’s photo trip with some images I never posted
Taken from the top of Stac Pollaidh just after first light look along Loch Lurgainn

A PHOTO JOURNAL OF A FABOULOUS PHOTOGRAPHIC LONG WEEKEND

Late November 2009 a party of 2 Scotsman, 3 Americans, 1 Englishman, 1 pregnant
English Woman and a French Lady set off for Inverpolly reserve near the small ferry
village of Ullapool Scotland.

Armed with Canons, Nikons and Pentax’s enough to fill a small camera store, the
party led by Scottish photographer Ian Cameron made the quaint village of Ullapool
it’s home for four days and three nights.





http://www.pbase.com/tinkerb/image/119621765
http://www.pbase.com/swalden/image/119505623


Mid afternoon arrival only left time for a short visit to Rhue lighthouse and a glimpse
of the setting sun over the edges of the Atlantic and Loch Broom





After a hearty Scottish three course meal washed down with Highland ales the party crashed
in preparation for the very early morning accent of Stac Pollaidh in anticipation of mountain
top sunrise over the autumnal glens.


The efforts were worth it at the top! From the summit of Stac Pollaidh with the sunrise behind
Cul Mor. Almost like a scene from Lord of the Ring looking to Mordor





The honourable Ian Cameron can be seen on his feet after lying on his back wheezing
instructions for half an hour to the rest of the party!





PBaser MUnger with guns loaded pointing East





PBaser SWalden on top of the Stac Pollaidh ridge





http://www.pbase.com/swalden/image/119483348
http://www.pbase.com/swalden/image/119483347


After some breathtaking scenery the hungry party descended in search of food which
was delayed further by a quick stop at Drumrunie Loch. Strong reflections on the
Loch splendour of the conquered Stac Pollaidh lit up in the background





http://www.pbase.com/tinkerb/image/119511257
http://www.pbase.com/swalden/image/119483346


So after an amazing first full day at the Inverpolly reserve the pressure was on our
leader to find a perfect spot for the sun to set on this picturesque area. He never let
us down with a trip south of Ullapool to Gruinard Bay, a real Scottish treasure





http://www.pbase.com/swalden/image/119504300
http://www.pbase.com/tinkerb/image/119373695


And so the end to day two!


Over another Scottish feast and ales the weather forecast was gloomy for day three
with everything south of Inverness to London experiencing severe flood warnings.
However some changeable weather was encountered.


A quick shot over Loch Broom towards Ullapool proved a fruitful start





http://www.pbase.com/tinkerb/image/119621483


And then off for a spell of roaming through the gloaming south of Ullapool with
the back drop of the Fannichs mountain range in search of the wild haggis!
Again no disappointment when the five legged creature was spotted in the distance
A fearful creature known to attack, ferocious with the finger, known to snap



This rare creature known to PBasers as TinkerB and to others simply Chris!





http://www.pbase.com/tinkerb/image/119451387


The weather closed in late afternoon and the chance of a hat trick of sunsets
diminished as the deluge of water from the south moved into Ullapool. Our French
comrade Cecile posed for the final days picture.





And for our final day hopes were high for a sunrise from the camera magician Ian
Cameron called his favourite place. An early drive to Achnahaird Beach to the North
with an East facing view over mountainous splendour …. Wow …Wow … Wow!





http://www.pbase.com/tinkerb/image/119578968
http://www.pbase.com/tinkerb/image/119665810


Yes the pinnacle of the trip with incredible with the sun rising over Ben More
Coigach sending a beam of light to illuminate the prominent and proud Stac Pollaidh
and through to Cul Mor


Could there be anywhere else to photograph. Mr Cameron didn’t let us down with a
stop at Polbain village near the Summer Isles. There were two very old run down
boats making perfect props against the changeable moody sky.





http://www.pbase.com/tinkerb/image/119405382


And to the end of our photo escapism weekend! Many thanks to Ian Cameron for
hosting this master class and sharing these very special locations with the group.

Those inspired to now go then book up through http://www.transientlight.co.uk/
This group of seven can fully recommend the experience!