Grey heron in the shallows of Loch Tay

Storm clouds over Strathblane

Rain over the Loss Hills

A wander along the shores of Loch Lomond from Milarrochy Bay on a dreich Sunday afternoon early July did not promise much in terms of photography.

While we were drinking a coffee in the car after our walk, the weather finally cleared a little, with ominous rain clouds remaining over the Loss Hills on the other side of the loch, finally providing an opportunity for some photography.

I just love this moody photograph that will most likely be in the shortlist for my best picture of the year. Not to mention that I am pretty chuffed with The Herald choosing it for the Picture of the Day on 29th July 2022, albeit cropped heavily to fit in with the paper’s format.

Spout of Ballagan

I walked up the side of Dumbreck after lunch, hoping to get above the mist. Halfway up I realised that the pea soup was still too thick, and with not having the energy to climb all the way to the summit, I decided to drop down into the gorge and traverse to the waterfall.

Rays of sunlight over Loch Lomond

While having a coffee at Milarrochy Bay, the sun decided to appear from behind the clouds.

Spring flowers

The joys of spring in Jo’s and Martin’s delightful garden.

Late evening sun on our trees

COVID19 has firmly taught us that we don’t have to go far from home to admire nature and stunning views. Tonight was another prime example, with the late evening sun lighting up the trees in our garden followed by a absolute stunning sunset.

It is spring!

Peacock butterflies and magnolia in bloom

Saturday was our first spring day and warm enough to sit outside in the glorious sunshine reading a book with a coffee in the afternoon. In fact it was warm enough to even sit outside and have a couple of glasses of Cava before dinner while enjoying the last rays of sunshine.

The warmth of the spring sun brought out the peacock butterflies with several regularly darting across the lawn. Hope they survive the predicted night frost and cold weather in the days to come.

The warmth of the spring sun has also brought a lot of flowers to bloom in the magnolia shrub (magnolia stellata) that stands in the shelter of the house where the heat of the sun is reflecting of the South facing walls. It is well ahead of the magnolia tree on the lawn that is more exposed and still not showing any signs of buds coming out.

Is it spring yet?

The crocuses are starting to come out early this year.

Fun in the snow

A month after the first snowfall, we got more.

As always Lola goes bonkers as she simply loves being out in the snow.

Buchanan Castle ruins

A wander around Buchanan Castle on a cold, crisp Sunday afternoon.

Balquhidder’s Old Kirk

Exploring Blaquhidder’s Old Kirk and graveyard.

It’s not just Rob Roy’s grave that’s interesting.