Mist over Loch Ness

Woke up to a very misty morning on Loch Ness but also with an amazing reflection and as we enjoyed breakfast we watched as several boating craft emerged eerily from the mist. After about one hour the mist had disappeared into the water but it was really lovely while it lasted. Enjoy the movie and listen to the morning birdsong.

Wild Primroses everywhere.

The native wild primroses are in full bloom in the South Loch Ness area and there is a colourful profusion growing on shady banks, along roadside verges along with numerous clumps carpeting the floors of deciduous woodlands. The indigenous gorse is also in flower. In the garden the daffodils are swaying in the breeze and the purple aubretia and primulas planted last year are emerging in the spring sunshine. Everywhere seems to be a riot of yellow and purple flowers.

Spring lambs.

Quite a pleasant bright day although still rather chilly for mid April. The recently born lambs in the fields near the village of Dores at the eastern end of Loch Ness were staying very close to their mothers warm fleecy coats. Others were enjoying their new life leaping about for joy and playing while others were relaxing with the warm sun on their backs.

Snow Geese.

Driving back home from Inverness on the Daviot road yesterday we were very surprised to see so much snow remained in the fields and hills. Parked up and sat and watched the very young lambs staying very close to their mothers warm fleecy coats and listened to the plaintive cry of the curlews circling above. The farmers flock of geese had left their paddock and were out in the snowy field.
Had a flurry of snow here this morning but now the sun is shining, the sky is blue with a few white clouds and there is a stunning reflection in the water of Loch Ness.

Walk along Fairy Glen on The Black Isle.

Wednesday was a warm,bright day so we packed a picnic and went out for the day. We had a nice leisurely drive over the Moray Firth on the Kessock Bridge and onto The Black Isle. Hadn't been going long when we spotted three red kites, with their distinctive forked tails, soaring above us. Drove through the village of Rosemarkie and turned in right at the car park just beyond The Plough Inn at the start of The Fairy Glen walk. Strolled along the side of a beck and were amazed at the masses of tiny yellow flowers covering the forest floor. Found out later they are known as 'Lesser Celandine' and the flowers only open in the sunshine - so lucky us! Passed a wee tranquil pond with the water reflecting the tall trees surrounding it. Followed the beck and walked over small wooden bridges and under larger stone bridges listening to the birdsong and the increasing sound of gushing water. The two waterfalls at the end of the walk were fantastic and we stayed for ages just looking and listening to the almost deafening sound. A good day out and so near home. Enjoyed our picnic at Chanonry Point and watched the sun glistening on the water of The Moray Firth.
Experience what we saw and heard -remember to turn your sound on.