The Beautiful Farne's - 23rd June 2013

Well, the weather here has been quite changeable.  A period of sunshine and quiet and then, within half an hour, it can be overcast and chucking it down!  It's been lovely and warm in the sun and then windy and cold and it's had me reaching for my heavy jacket and waterproofs.  Still - if you want the beauty of these islands you just have to take the wet with the dry.

The shot at the head of the page is the Inner Farne Light taken on an evening trip to sea last night.  There was a tantalising blue patch of sky which just wouldn't catch up with us so we had a fairly overcast sail around the islands.  

The thing is, when the weather changes - so do the islands and the seascape.  Who needs clear skies when every variation in the weather brings a beauty of its own?  Of course there are extremes that I wouldn't like to encounter - such as those which caused the demise of the Children's Friend below.

BK177 - "Children's Friend" - One of 250 wrecks in the Farnes

Looking further out towards the Eastern edge of the Farnes we had a great view of the Longstone Light .....

The Longstone Light

This shot was taken not far from the site of the wreck of the "Forfarshire" which lies at the heart of the story of the bravery of William and Grace Darling.  The father and daughter team braved difficult seas in the early hours of the morning to row from the Longstone to rescue survivors of the wreck who had become stranded on the rocks of Big Harcar island.  Even in Serenity II with its two powerful diesel engines we could sense the power of the seas.  My oh my, do I respect Grace and her dad!!

All-in-all it was a good end to an interesting day.  Oh and of course I can't close without mentioning the wonderful Farne's wildlife.  Apart from the birds (which I'll post loads of photos of) there are also the "Atlantic Greys" like the one below, enjoying a meander through some kelp.

And so endeth another day.  I think the Farnes must be an example of another illustration of how some of the most beautiful aspects of Creation can also be the most dangerous and testing.  

I think I'll close this post with some words from Psalm 107:

[23] Some went out on the sea in ships; they were merchants on the mighty waters.  [24] They saw the works of the LORD, his wonderful deeds in the deep. [25] For he spoke and stirred up a tempest that lifted high the waves. [26] They mounted up to the heavens and went down to the depths; in their peril their courage melted away. [27] They reeled and staggered like drunken men; they were at their wits’ end. [28] Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress. [29] He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. [30] They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven. 

Peace to all ....