This is the view from the summit of Sgurr na Stri, possibly one of the best views in Scotland. The view is over Loch Scavaig to the Black Cuillins and Loch Coruisk. The walk in from the Sligachan hotel was long, but with a view like this once on the summit, it was well worth it.

Tags:   Sgurr na Stri Black Cuillins Cuillins Loch Coruisk Loch Scavaig Skye mountains

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I decided to restrict this composition to just the Old Man of Storr being illuminated with the golden sunrise light. The morning light brought a golden color to the Old Man instead of the gray color I was accustomed to seeing on previous visits.

Tags:   Old Man of Storr overcast golden sunrise morning illuminated Skye Isle of Skye Nikon D7000 stupid o'clock

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To be in place for the sunrise began about 3AM with a short drive to the Storr parking area and an hour or so walk uphill in the pre-dawn darkness. I decided to position myself part way up the Storr along the cliff edge for a view looking down so as to keep most of the Old Man below the horizon.

I was in place and ready for the sunrise, but a heavy layer of clouds on the horizon was blocking the direct light. Fortunately the phrase “waiting for the light” worked in my favor. Several minutes after sunrise, the clouds parted enough for the sunlight to shine through.

It was a crystal clear morning with fabulous views all the way to Glamaig and beyond. Below the Old Man of Storr is Loch Leathan followed by the Sound of Raasay and finally the Isle of Raasay. The high point visible on Raasay is Dun Caan. Below Storr, near Loch Leathan the "grey" area is the former pine forest that was in the final stages of being cleared.

On the very right of the image is the sunlit cliff edge of the Storr.

So this is why I got up at 3am!

Tags:   sunrise Old Man of Storr Storr Loch Leathan Sound of Raasay Raasay Dun Caan Glamaig red hills Skye Isle of Skye clear illuminated fabulous views landscape Scotland Nikon D7000 crystal clouds waiting for the light morning sunlit pine forest interesting interestingness photoshop nature stupid o'clock

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The evening was spent waiting at the Cave of Gold (Uamh Oir) near Kilmuir in hopes of a colorful sunset. The Isle of Harris is visible on the horizon prior to the sun setting. While waiting for the sun to set, I positioned myself so as to capture the waves crashing on the rocks . . . this was a resulting image.

At this point it was time to stop, back up a bit and also wipe all the spray off of the camera, lens and filter . . .

Tags:   Cave of Gold Uamh Oir Kilmuir Inner Hebrides Scotland Skye Isle of Skye wave rock Isle of Harris sunset Nikon D7000 seascape Gitzo Nikon 18-105mm world's best Nikon shot

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To be in place for the sunrise began about 3AM, referred to by some as stupid o’clock, with a short drive to the Storr parking area and an hour or so walk uphill in the pre-dawn darkness. No other vehicles were parked when I arrived so it appears I would be enjoying the sunrise in solitude.

It was a forced march up to the Old Man as I was unsure of the time I would need to be at the location prior to the sunrise. I arrived with time to spare so I was able to calmly set up the gear while also getting my breathing to return to some sense of normalcy. I was ready for the sunrise, but a heavy layer of clouds on the horizon was blocking the direct light. Fortunately the phrase “waiting for the light” worked in my favor. Several minutes after sunrise, the clouds parted enough for the sunlight to shine through and this image is the result.

It was a crystal clear morning with fabulous views all the way toward Glamaig and beyond. Below the Old Man of Storr is Loch Leathan followed by the Sound of Raasay and finally the Isle of Raasay. The high point visible on Raasay is Dun Caan. On the horizon are the northern red hills.

Once satisfied with the images captured, I leisurely returned to the car, which was still alone in the parking area. Now it was a short drive back to the house for a pot of coffee . . .

Tags:   Inner Hebrides Skye Isle of Skye Scotland Storr Old Man of Storr sunrise Glamaig Loch Leathan Sound of Raasay Raasay Dun Caan red hills clear illuminated view fabulous landscape crystal cloud waiting for the light blue sky solitude mountain outdoor interesting interestingness Brad Eide tranquil neutral density filter Lee filter sanctuary picturesque vista rock scenery Nikon D7000 Nikon 18-105mm Gitzo golden golden hour serene sea stupid o'clock

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