County's coastline littered with many hidden treasures
There is something along the water's edge to entice every visitor, according to travel writer Alison Karlene Hodgins.
AN individual's overall impression of a certain place or monument is directly dependent on the method by which they arrive.
Travel days can be stressful, luxurious, or painfully boring. Tourists tend to rent cars and slowly approach their destination. Locals that don't drive endure long bus trips between cities. Personally, I prefer to walk or jog.
I have sped through Scotland in private vehicles, fallen asleep on public transport and found myself limited by the stretch of my own footsteps. Last Thursday I was treated to a unique mode of transportation: the ruby red Caithness Seacoast speedboat.
Caithness Seacoast Ltd operates from Wick Harbour. The view from the speedboat offers a completely new perspective: the sight from the sea.
Over the past two months, I have gone out of my way to explore everything that Caithness has to offer. The Caithness Seacoast boat trip allowed me to take a fresh look at over half of the attractions that I had previously experienced from a land-locked position.
The sea is littered with hidden treasures. From the diverse animal life to the countless coastal castles, there is something along the water to entice every visitor.
It was a windy, grey afternoon on the east coast. My friend, Natasha, and I bundled up tight against the wild winter weather. The Caithness Seacoast staff wrapped us up in waterproof trousers, wool toques and neon life vests.
We pulled out of the harbour as the sun rapidly descended through the stormy sky. Tour guide and skipper William Munro knew he was racing the light in a last-ditch effort to show off the coastline.
The boat hurled us south towards Castle of Old Wick. William captivated my attention with his commentary. He was overflowing with information about the history and natural diversity of the Highlands. His comments and explanations opened my eyes to a multitude of landmarks that I had never noticed before. I barely recognised Whaligoe Steps. Three weeks ago I had trekked down the steep stone staircase to the old harbour where fish were collected in the herring fishing heyday. The perspective from the sea revealed a cascading waterfall that I had failed to notice previously.
Spiralling northwards, the power of the waves increased. William explained that the boat can carry up to 12 people. With its incredible arm-lifter, it is able to accommodate anyone from young toddlers to disabled people.
"We match the tour to the needs of the occupants," William reports. Caithness Seacoast Ltd works hard to make the wild North Sea accessible and exciting for everyone.
After taking in a stunning, rather sinister view of Castle Sinclair Girnigoe, the darkening skies tore us back towards home.
Noss Head lighthouse was emitting a terrifying red light. Its purpose is to warn oncoming travellers of the danger of the seas.
Our hardy captain knew exactly how to tackle the large grey waves. He steered us carefully south, riding parallel against the water, until the beacon light of Noss switched to a faint yellow glow.
Basking in the white light, I understood how seafaring workers of decades ago must have felt when approaching the rocky black coast. Sunken warships are cautious reminders of the necessity of safe sea travel.
The view of the coast from the water is an incredible experience every local should observe for themselves. In William's professional opinion, "once you get out to the birds and the caves and the cliffs, you don't really need words". You just need to open your eyes and be willing to see.
* Follow Alison's adventures at www.aroundtheworldwithalison.blogspot.ca