A few weeks ago, the Dafter got out of the house for a little drive with me. We ended up at the Torry Battery just at sunset (about 3:30 pm). The Torry Battery is a stone defence at the mouth of Aberdeen Harbour. According to the City Council’s PDF on its history (here) there were coastal defences on this site since the Middle Ages, but the Torry Battery was built in 1859-60 in response to a perceived threat from Napoleon III. Although that particular Napoleon didn’t turn out to be a danger, the Torry Battery was used for its original purpose in both World Wars, and also as temporary housing after the Second World War. Today it’s a lovely place to come for the view:
Looking back at Aberdeen harbour and the city, from Torry Battery at sunset. Late November 2012.
You can see all around from the top of the wee hill in the middle, from the city to the west, to the lighthouse on the other side:
Looking out to the North Sea and the Lighthouse
Propelled by curiosity, the Dafter was able to climb the wee hill with me. Here she is, mistress of all she surveys and photographs:
The Dafter on top of the wee hill, taking photos. You can see the lights of the ships on the sea.
The wind was strong and very cold, and we soon came back to the car. We were hailed by a poor grandfather, who had a crying and shivering grandchild in a buggy, and a flat car battery. Luckily, he was a dab hand with the old jumper cables and soon we were all safely on our way home for a cup of tea (or possibly stiff drink in his case!).
Beautiful pictures Christine..so good to see the Dafter had a lovely day..
Hugs
Erna
By: Erna on December 16, 2012
at 4:40 pm
Great to see the Dafter out and about.
And oh! those wide skies of the North East!
The amount of shipping traffic coming into Aberdeen has always struck me – it’s a regular motorway out there.
By: occasionalscotland.blogspot.co.uk on December 16, 2012
at 5:50 pm
Beautiful photos, glad you and your daughter had a lovely day out.
By: Kia on December 16, 2012
at 5:56 pm
I’ve never seen the Torry Battery looking so good! Great shots, I can really feel the atmosphere, and hurrah for the Dafter getting out for a bit of a breeze (I can imagine the chill of it!).
By: tearoomdelights on December 17, 2012
at 2:35 am
I’ve just started following youre blog and am finding it enjoyable . Beautiful photos
By: karencarter2010 on December 17, 2012
at 10:43 am
wonderful pictures, full of atmosphere. brrr, it does look cold and breezy. i’m glad you were around to help the grandfather and grandchild.
By: ajb47 on December 17, 2012
at 9:17 pm
Dear all,
Thanks for your comments! Yes, it certainly was a cold day – but good to get some fresh air. And I’m never happier than when taking the Dafter out somewhere. Linda, I agree there is a lot of maritime traffic in Aberdeen. We watched some of the BBC Scotland series The Harbour and found it very interesting. Lorna can perhaps tell us more about it!
Karen, a warm welcome to my little slice of blogland! I’m pleased you’re enjoying it.
By: christinelaennec on December 17, 2012
at 9:40 pm
Yippee, your daughter on a lovely hill, how brilliant, down here in Somerset a hill of that type would be called a ‘mump’ which is a good word! Happy day to all of you and well done. X
Fee
By: Fee on December 18, 2012
at 6:40 am
A mump, as in having the mumps? Good word! Yes, it’s always a victory when we get out of the house. Thanks!
By: christinelaennec on December 18, 2012
at 6:38 pm