Snow and Sunshine

Dull day in Glen Nevis two weeks ago

Last Tuesday there were snow showers all morning and by the afternoon there were a few inches on our lawn. Quite a change from the dreary wet weather we seem to have had for most of the winter. A few days later I was checking the weather forecast on the T.V. when I thought that somebody had forgotten to put the graphics on the weather map - there was the outline of Britain but nothing else . Normally regardless of the weather in the rest of the country there is a patch of blue over the west of Scotland, indicating rain. This time there was nothing, but it was no mistake - we have been enjoying the most amazing weather and not a drop of rain over the last 3 days!

Sketch of Ben Nevis painted today.

 Yesterday I did the run from Bridge of Orchy back to Fort William.The combination of the recent snow on the mountains, the pure blue sky and  glorious sunshine was intoxicating. At Black Rock cottage the photographers were out in force snapping the famous view of the Buachaille Etive Mor, but for my money the best view was from the top of the Devil's Staircase. Having sweated up the steep path the mountains are arrayed all around. Just beyond that The Blackwater Reservoir came into view; a blue jewel set in brown hills drizzled with snow. It was one of those incredible days when one cannot believe one's good luck to be alive.

Quick sketch of Glencoe done on Friday