There has been quite a bit of Aurora activity this autumn and winter. We are entering a peak in the 12 year cycle. Just need the clear skies now!
One of the highlights of the summer for us was having a Turtle dove on the farm for a few days. Farmer has seen one here before, and so has Prasad, but I hadn't ever seen one. Initially I wondered if I ever would as Farmer kept seeing it, and so did our guests, but then finally I saw him/her on the track just over the garden wall. What a special experience.
The calm warm weather changed and our exotic visitor moved on.
Aurora activity goes in a 12 year cycle, with activity increasing in strength and frequency as the cycle reaches peak activity. We have been in a trough for a few years now, but it would seem that we are heading upwards again. Last weekend was testament to that, and luckily for us, we had clear skies!
In the graveyard field and below the house. The first Common spotted orchids.
A walk into the Black Park looking for orchids.
Happy New Year! Wishing you all a happy and healthy year ahead.
What a relief to say goodbye to 2020.
We always feel so very lucky to live where we do but during 2020 we have felt it even more so, Our lives, whilst also touched by share of loss and difficulty this year, have been here in this beautiful landscape surrounded by an amazing and supportive community.
Farming life has to go on irrespective of what is happening in the wider world, so at the beginning of lockdown we were about to start lambing and nothing was going to stop the natural process. And so it was through the summer, our lives directed by the farming calendar and the seasons.
And in late summer, a brief season of having guests - which was lovely. Everyone was so appreciative of being able to get away, it made all the extra work worthwhile.
Then in the autumn it became more difficult - with different areas being locked down, more and more cancellations. Christmas and New Year is usually one of our busiest times but we had no guests at Christmas and one booking, a couple from Dervaig, for New Year. The islands of Argyll are Level 3 rather than 4 so it was lovely to welcome island residents, and sad not be able to host those who had booked months ago to be here for Hogmanay.
We have to hope 2021 will be better for everyone.
