Sunshine, Snow and Daffodils

The last 2 weeks has seen the wind in the East, bringing bright cold weather and snow to the mountains. Skiers and winter mountaineers enjoyed near perfect conditions for a few days!! Then the sun came out, the temperatures warmed up, the snow disappeared, the skiers disappeared and the winter mountaineers put away their crampons and wandered the peaks topping up their tans!

Around the sight there is spring like activity, the birds are enjoying the early arrival of the better weather, good job too as the red squirrel population are beating them to their feeders. In the gardens, around the chalets the spring bulbs and early flowering heathers are well in the front of themselves. Today Thursday 22nd February sees the first daffodils open their bright yellow petals to an almost perfect late winter evening. The days are noticably lengthening it is now not dark until nearly 18oo hours, and we are only 4 weeks away from British Summer Time.

The Mountain Film Festival (www.mountainfilmfestival.co.uk)is in full swing and although Fort William is buzzing with activity the area around Lochaber is still peaceful and quiet.

Anyone who has time to visit the Western Highlands in the next few weeks should take advantage of an early spring, and have the place to yourselves.