Waking Up In Scotland: Looking at the ground

As gorgeous as the landscape and wildlife is that surrounds you in Shetland, I am just as happy to be absorbed with the ground under my feet.

The texture of the land. Looking at the ground while you walk also happens to be a great habit to get into while walking here. During breeding season, you need to keep an eye out for eggs. Just out in the open without a nest in sight. Although it is highly likely that you will see an upset bird circling above or hear the wind on the wings of a Bonxie as it buzzes your head to give you some warning sign.

And regardless of the season, you should watch where you step to avoid falling into the sea. Did you just laugh? Are you wondering how someone would not notice and walk straight into the sea? I am being serious. Honest. The terrain along the coast can be incredibly deceiving. The elements have carved deep voes into the coastline. The grass appears to just continue on until you are within a few feet of the edge and you realize there is a cliff dropping off into the sea right in front of you. I was warned before my first walk in Shetland. Even now after quite a few walks, I continue to be surprised by how deceiving the terrain can be.

Maybe because I am watching my footing, I have noticed all the lovely textures. In the summer months, you will see a variety of wildflowers. The diverse geology means a tremendous mixture of stone. The ocean deposits stones (and sometimes boulders) on cliff sides with each storm. Otters leave traces of their meals in the form of crab legs and such. The wind distributes all sorts across the land, especially shells. Last but not least, the plants create this beautiful fabric that is a part of this dynamic landscape. Even in the winter months (and even in particularly muddy winters like this one), there is so much texture within the peat bogs, burns, heather...