Touching the past - a photo on Flickriver

Touching the past

Explore #2 17/06/2020

Touching the past - Summer sunrise at the Ring of Brodgar in the Heart of Neolithic Orkney with the sun just breaking over the Loch of Harray.

A 0330 start with a sky hinting with promise and with anticipation building, saw me arrive at the ring just before sunrise in time to witness something special at this stunning and truly inspirational location.

I was completely alone; neither a soul around nor a distant bird’s call to break the ethereal silence at this unearthly, yet superbly magical hour. Being totally alone at such an early hour, the stones take on not just a mystical presence, but seemingly come alive too; like silent, motionless figures all about to step forward. The atmosphere and magic of this stunning and truly spellbinding location were palpable. It’s as through I had taken a step back into ancient history, transported into a different age, like touching the past in fact.

To be able to witness daybreak at the ring is as unique and otherworldly an experience as one can ever imagine. A rich reward in so many ways for such an early start, not just for seeing a spectacular dawn, but also to be in peace with both nature and with the mysterious, ancient, historic past.

Another image from a vividly memorable dawn last year from my trip to wonderful Orkney. Having fallen in love with this beautifully unique and timeless landscape 5 years ago, I feel truly privileged to have experienced nature’s wonder in such a way and in such a special location.

Mainland Orkney, Northern Isles, Scotland

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Taken in: UK / Scotland / Stenness (show map)

Taken on: July 9, 2019

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Camera: Nikon D800, f/11.0, 1/4 sec, 16mm, ISO 100 (more info) (hide info)

Camera:	Nikon D800
Aperture:	f/11.0
Exposure Time:	0.25 sec (1/4)
Focal Length:	16mm
ISO:	100
Exposure Bias:	0 EV
Flash:	Off, Did not fire
Exposure Program:	Aperture-priority AE
Exposure Mode:	Auto
Metering Mode:	Multi-segment
White Balance:	Auto
Color Space:	Uncalibrated
Software:	Capture NX 2.4.7 W
Show full info

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