Sunday 20 November 2011

Sunday 20.11.2011

All pastel greys and blues, golds (can gold be pastel?) and greens through the hazy light of a mild November afternoon as we climbed up to Oxen Craig yesterday after work. Almost eerily still in the woods, not even the spindliest tree moving but fresher on the top.

Today yet another stunning day .....no-one can quite believe it, looking over our shoulders for the big back cloud........

Wednesday 16 November 2011

Wednesday 16.11.2011

Nippy breeze took us scuttling round the woods for an hour at lunchtime but felt all the better for it. Hardest time of year for making the most of the daylight as we descend into the long nights.
I`ve discovered a soft light shining through a jar of orange marmalade is a real spirit lifter if you tend towards Winter Blues. Just thought I`d mention it.
And for anyone following the camera saga, seems his computer was down and all may yet end well. My faith, pretty unshakeable, in the predominant goodness of most folk is restored to full strength.

Saturday 12 November 2011

Saturday 12.11.2011

It was largely exuberance which got me up Bennachie today (though the morning biscuits and caffeine might have helped)but after a long week, some really dreich weather yesterday when walks were cancelled in favour of making the Christmas cake and then a late (though very enjoyable) night to boot, lassitude, not to say languor, beckoned.
But by the time I left work at lunchtime the powers that be had freshened things up considerably - sun, blue sky, and that unique autumn tang in the air. Bennachie was at her absolute best with clear views all around from the top of Mither Tap.
Some VIPs visiting in a fortnight: what are the chances of it staying this glorious?

Thursday 10 November 2011

Thursday 10.11.2011

Just in case anyone thinks I`m living on a different planet I realised, as I was driving home on a much clearer night, that there`s a full moon up there. So, strictly speaking, it doesn`t start waning until tomorrow. It`s simply been very cloudy. Just thought I`d put the record straight.
Still no camera. Bleah, as Snoopy might have said.

Wednesday 09.11.2011

Liberating though it feels to set off without camera or any other paraphernalia, and while it is not necessary to take pics for the memories to remain
(I cite as evidence, M`lud
- a particular day on Balmedie beach
- an icy day climbing Arthur`s seat
- a night involving a mini-bus and a collection of Eastern European and Antipodean young people
- not to mention a fantastic walk along the railway line on a stunning autumn day last week)
I am nevertheless missing my camera.

We`ve had gloriously crisp blue sky days and clear moon-drenched nights but now the moon is on the wane and today was very November,grey and wet as we set off round the woods mid-morning but with a wind springing up that swept the clouds away and left us tramping across the `blasted heath`* as patches of blue sky appeared.

I have bought a camera - on ebay in the end - but my breath is somewhat bated as it hasn`t yet arrived and should have done.

*i.e. the kind of thing Emily Bronte might have described rather than a comment on an erstwhile Conservative prime minister.