Snow and sun Taken shortly before the low sun dipped behind the hill of Craigellachie, I loved the golden sparkle as the sunlight came through the snow and birch branches. The air was so cold and dry that as snow fell from branches it created a cloud of shining diamonds. “A human being is a […]
Sunset tree in a field of snow, near Drymen, Loch Lomond. Unlike the south, we have had hardly any more snow since the last load, but it is very frosty. By my calculations it is the solstice on Tuesday 21st where we mark the turning of the year. It seems to have absolutely raced by […]
Ice build-up around a waterfall After many days at low temperature the splashes had built up this amazing sphere of ice around the cascade. “In Tibet we say that many illnesses can be cured exclusively by love and compassion. These qualities are the ultimate source of happiness, and we need them in our innermost being. […]
Icicles with sunset glow Icicles outside my front door, as the deep freeze continues… “In the pursuit of knowledge every day something more is added. In the pursuit of Tao every day something is let go of” – Lao Tzu
Early snowfall, Craigellachie birchwood. I love the contrast between the shady wood and the dazzling gold and white trees in the sunshine, with this stunning blue sky. “So the single most vital step on your journey toward enlightenment is this: learn to disidentify from your mind. Every time you create a gap in the stream […]
Pines at sunset, Tullochgrue, Rothiemurchus After a cold, damp, misty November day with no sight of the sun, I got lucky by heading a couple of hundred feet up to Tullochgrue – a small but steep hill which overlooks the surrounding area of Rothiemurchus. The sun shone out from under the cloud cover as it […]
Birch reflections and reeds, Craigellachie, Aviemore A sunny morning at Craigellachie lochan, reflecting the last of the birch colour along with a patchwork of autumnal reed-leaves. I love the combination of the purple birch branches showing through as the orange fades. Its a shock every year how quickly we lose daylight once we’re into November […]
Beech Colour, Loch Vaa We don’t have many Beech here, so it was intensely colourful seeing these this morning in the bright sun, after an icy start. “Music is the miniature of the whole harmony of the universe, for the harmony of the universe is music itself, and man must show the same harmony. In […]
Michaelmas Daisies Michaelmas might have been a month ago (29th September), but these daisies in my garden are hanging on in there. they’ve taken a battering with wind and rain recently, but managed to catch some (brief) morning light here. “No more words. Hear only the voice within.” – Rumi
Dragonflies, Craigellachie, Aviemore With all the snow on the hills, and autumn in full swing, I thought I’d celebrate these amazing dragonflies from the late summer. First, above, a male Common Darter, which despite its name is relatively uncommon in the Cairngorms National Park area. A male Common Hawker – these are big boys, up […]
Craigellachie Mist Clearing, Aviemore Our stunning Indian summer lasted until monday – then it was back to grey and chilly! This is our local hill of Craigellachie in the morning with the mist clearing to reveal a perfect blue sky. “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.” – […]
Golden Birch, Craigellachie National Nature Reserve, Aviemore Autumn is definitely on the turn – most of the birch wood turned colour overnight, a beautiful mix of gold, orange, yellow and some still green. We’ve had the most beautiful autumn weekend of warm sun showing the colours perfectly, but turning very cold in the shade! “The […]
