Grumpy

Today was spent in Perth. In the morning we took our scenic route into town across the North Inch and along the banks of the Tay. There are viewing points constructed down from the riverside path which we always visit to have a look for ducks and other birds. However today we were greeted by signs mounted on ten foot high poles (possibly a grumpy exaggeration) erected by Safe-Tay.

"Safe-Tay is a voluntary water safety and drowning prevention registered charity dedicated to promoting Water Safety. A non-profit making association to enhance the safety and preservation of human life in the aquatic environment. In particular, training of life guards, support, development, improvement and promotion of water safety. We seek to educate persons in the community about the dangers of water and water safety with the aim of preventing tragedies."

Okay nobody wants a tragedy, but why oh why erect these eyesores? There are safety railings all round the viewing points that their signs could easily have been attached to. I'm sure their motives are good, but they really need to realise that reading their sign is not the reason why people take a walk by the Tay - give me John Muir's ethos on nature any day.

That's the grumpy bit over, I'll get down off the soapbox.

Into Perth on Tay Street we took a few pictures of a Dipper feeding then a few of the scenic Smeaton's Bridge. I then noticed a gate that led to steps down to the Tay had been left unlocked. No further invitation was required, down the steps to water level to take the above shot of Smeaton's Bridge from this unusual viewpoint - don't tell Safe-Tay though - the steps were slightly crumbly and those that had been below water level were decidedly slippery - one really shouldn't advocate such irresponsible behaviour.