Perfect Morning Reflections, Loch an Eilein
We’d been having a pattern of misty frosty nights, quickly clearing to perfect blue skies. I love these early spring days, feeling the warm intensity in the direct sun but crisp in the shade. With the strong light it quickly becomes too harsh and the contrast too great for (satisfying) photography, so I was up early and out to the loch just after 8am. Already the mist had burned off.
This must be one of the most photographed spots locally – and deservedly so. The 13th century castle ruin sits on its island in the loch, surrounded by the Caledonian pine forest of Rothiemurchus. Although many people visit the loch, the area seems to absorb them into its peace and quiet.
A walk around the shore found some lovely details…
Shore ice, forming ‘bird feather’ shapes
Scots Pine tree roots wrapped around boulders
Meanwhile, in the birch wood at the head of the loch, competing woodpeckers broke the morning silence with their drumming, another sure sign of spring. Its a startling sound when you’re mid-reverie! They are very elusive, but I finally tracked this one down. However I stalked him, he sidled around the tree trunk away from me. As the RSPB guide says ‘… spends most of its time clinging to tree trunks and branches, often trying to hide on the side away from the observer.’
Great Spotted Woodpecker
I send this out in the sincere desire that sharing this beauty, and my way of perceiving the wonder of the feeling of that connection with the Earth and Nature, can help us all find our true nature.
“Let the beauty we love be what we do. There are hundreds of ways to kneel and kiss the ground.”
– Rumi