Scotland-Entry 2
Another beautiful day in Scotland, of course I say that about today, but in reality I think just about every day in Scotland is a beautiful one. It rained on and off most of the day, but I didn’t mind. Scottish rain has a silky quality to it and the mist that sits atop the mountains on days like this fits the location. The greens are sharper and the purple and yellow hues are somehow brighter when it drizzles and when the sun does peek through the clouds, even for a brief moment, the entire countryside looks as if it is a present being unwrapped for the first time and then, as if it is too perfect to be allowed to last, the delicate clouds drift back in again and the rain starts anew.
We spent most of the day at the Loch Ness visitor’s center exploring the various knick- knacks and popular folklore of the tourist scene. We filmed a few stand ups, and while it was a long day, it was not particularly eventful, as it was mostly filled with interviews and various shots of the Loch itself. The crew continues to be outstanding and the experts that they have on the show are all down to earth and naturals in front of the television. Theo is the limnologist (someone who studies rivers, lakes and wetlands) and totally passionate about fisheries and biology. Ken is a paleontologist and the only one with any prior filming experience, and Erica is the Oceanographer who brings a thorough understanding of how large bodies of water function. While I think that they are all a little overwhelmed by the whole insanity that is filming a documentary, they have taken to it right away and are really great to work with.
Erica and I spent a few hours overlooking Urquart Castle alongside the Loch, to film a segment on the different natural phenomena that can create the illusion of monster; from strange currents that can carry debris (such as a log) upstream, to boat wake that can last long after the boat has passed. Many of these things can explain a majority of the various photos and sightings over the years.
Tomorrow is my dive into the Loch and I am looking forward to it. While I’m told there isn’t much to see, how many people get to film and dive in Loch Ness? Not many I’m sure.
