A state of grace

Lorna, Allan and I paddled out of Cullen Bay in the most beautifully calm conditions, the evening light reflecting on glassy calm water.

I don't believe I've ever experienced such a peaceful evening on the Moray Firth coast. There was a complete absence of swell or surf noise and even the seabirds were quieter and more relaxed as we passed.  Paddle strokes seemed effortless as the distance slipped by on our return to Sandend. In such conditions one can enter a kind of state of grace; the journey, the sea and the sky merging to give a great feeling of peace and well-being.

Approaching the turn into Sandend Bay, the sky in the west was amazing.  Gauze thin high cloud was picked out by crepuscular rays as the sun dipped below cloud banks, just beautiful.

As a final treat, we saw a pod of the Moray Firth dolphins crossing the bay parallel to us as we headed back into the harbour.  What a truly lovely evening........