Cloudscapes of Carrick.

 As we left Bracken Bay the sky to the north was crystal clear but...

 ...clouds were bubbling over the cliffs to the south. Waterfalls tumbled down steep cliffs...

...before their waters mingled with the sea below.

 As we paddled along Ayrshire's Carrick coast...

 ...the great monolith of Ailsa Craig began to dominate the southern horizon.

 Each spit of rock seemed...

 ...to have at least two herons, hunched against the cold wind.

 We could not help our...

 ...eyes being dragged skywards...

 ...as the ever changing cloudscapes...

 ...flitted above the dark rocks and...

 ...castles of Carrick such as...

 ...this one at Dunure.

 We slipped into Dunure harbour for...

...a well deserved break

Too much swally at Bracken Bay.

 The Firth of Clyde was looking lovely...

 ...as we set off from Seafield for Maidens, somewhat later than usual.

Once again we were bound for the Heads of Ayr. Both my mobility problem and illness in the family have restricted where I paddle but given this wonderful local coastline I am not looking for any sympathy.

 A fair easterly breeze carried us quickly across Ayr Bay towards...

...the dark volcanic rocks of this great headland.

 Soon we lost the low winter sun and paddled in the chilly shade of the cliffs until...

 ...we approached a natural breach in their ramparts at Bracken Bay.

High above the bay, the outline of a semi recumbent Tam o'Shanter seemed to be still sleeping. Perhaps he had had too much swally the night before.

David wanted to stop so we pulled into Bracken Bay.  It had been difficult getting him going this morning... (he muttered something about "working late")...anyway...

...it was time first luncheon and a large cup of black coffee for David.