Friday 18 April 2008

Afternoon at Arnish

Arnish is the area directly across the water from me. The lighthouse is 1 mile from my window, but if I want to walk there, it's 5 miles or more. Nonetheless, I got myself a lift this afternoon and proceeded to plot a few walks round there. You can go to the lighthouse, which is 20 minutes' walk from the end of the road, and to a small inlet, called Tob Leireabhat [Tob Leryavat], just over half an hour.

As I was near the lighthouse, I noticed a sheep rolling over and over in a field. That is a bad sign, particularly at this time of the year when they are lambing. I went over to the ewe, which was heavily pregnant. I found that one of her legs was entangled in fencing wire, which was supposed to be electrified. Fortunately, it was not hooked up to the electric, it would have killed the animal. I tried to disentangle the ewe's leg, but found that the wire was wrapped tightly round her neck as well. The poor sheep was snorting and grinding her teeth, a very bad sign. As I did not have my mobile phone with me, I was unable to call for help, and the resident at the lighthouse's keeper's cottage was out. Don't even know if they have a phone there. The Fabrication Yard was deserted, and the reception was closed. So, I had to wait for close on 3 hours before I had an opportunity - I nipped into the police station on Church Street and left a message. They promised to contact the grazings clark, who would go and sort it out. I can see the area concerned from the window where I am typing, but don't know if anyone has gone there.

Anyway, I came away with 130+ photos as well as feeling knackered. It was a walk of 6 miles in total, a distance I have not recently covered on foot. I will put up pictures later or tomorrow.

12 comments:

  1. Hope they got to the sheep in time.
    Jenny <><

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  2. Oh that poor ewe!  It is very lucky you happened upon it, otherwise who knows how long it would have layed there... I hope someone was able to get to it before too long... Looking forward to the pictures.   ~Journey

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  3. poor ewe! i hope someone helped it soon, poor thing. mrs tx

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  4. I surely hope someone found the ewe in time for a rescue.  Praise to you for trying.  
    Lisa

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  5. Oh Dear, Bless you for trying to help for the poor sheep...hope that someone arrived in time though it dosn't seem very likely.  I bet you were tired after that walk..however I am looking forward to seeing the photo's tomorrow.  I won't be so tired after looking at them  Lol !  Love Sybil x

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  6. I hope the sheep got some help before she chocked to death. Poor thing. Helen

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  7. * choked. Helen

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  8. Oh the poor sheep...
    glad you were there to help...
    Linda :)

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  9. What a sad situation for that more mama sheep.  I bet she was terrified.  How sad.  Thank you for the extra walking...you're making up for my lack of walking right now.  Linda in Washington

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  10. ghastly, just awful.

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  11. well, i am not reading these in order, obviously. That poor sheep. You are an angel to wait three long hours to try to get it some help. The pics you took were exceptional,as always.

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  12. Poor ewe.  I hope that someone was able to free her.
    Lori

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