Winter watch

As forecast, the snow duly arrived on Sunday night. On Monday morning, the view from the kitchen window was rather picturesque. 

At least in comparison to the view from the lounge which, although still quite picturesque, came with a side order of Armageddon. 

The snow continued through Monday into Tuesday, fine particles driven by a strong wind. Even when it wasn't actually falling from the sky, it blew off the fields, a low swirling of white. Mocha, our more outdoorsy cat, was beginning to see her sister's point of view, setting off from the front door and quickly returning indoors via the back door.

Come the afternoon, my planned work had been postponed, so it was time to sample some fresh air myself. Ward Hill in Hoy was looking very wintry, gullies and cliffs brought into stark relief by a dusting of white stuff.

 

And then some blue sky appeared, allowing a view of the Moon.

As the sun sank behind the clouds once more, a flooded and frozen field caught the light, more silvery than gold.

A Short-eared Owl took the opportunity between the snow showers to hunt for Orkney Voles. Here I should give a big shout out to the BBC's Winterwatch, which this week is featuring some of our Orcadian wildlife, and tonight it's voles!

Today is more of the same. Schools remain closed and the Amber warning for snow has been extended again. Dawn was rose-tinted, and through the day, a steady stream of bairns and their sledges made their way by, heading for the field below the distant 4G mast, and squeals of gravity-propelled delight.

The gentle drifting continued, sculpting shapes around our garden paraphernalia and infilling Mocha's pawprints.

I took a wander along the track from home (as my van wasn't at all keen to leave the sanctuary of the drive) to take a photo of the view towards the harbour and the distant Ward Hill.

I hope you're all keeping warm and cosy.