After an interesting but time consuming week of various lessons in campcraft, cooking and climbing (not at the same time), I’ve had a blissful day to myself at The Cottage. It’s been a splendidly slow one, with plenty of time to take stock and explore the colours of the garden.

Although the weather was pretty good, I’d got more than enough admin to be getting on with, so rather than dash out in to the mountains I’ve focused on home life. Recently I’d been leaving before sunrise and retuning in the dark, so hadn’t had time to see the signs of Spring that are quietly turning up around The Cottage.

As well as currently having a resident Tawny Owl in the tree outside, down on the ground we have snowdrops, pansies, primroses and the first daffodils are about to make their appearance…

Late in the afternoon, Clare and I took a short walk by the straits when the tide was high. Double figure temperatures and a peaceful coastline while we soaked up the warmth of the sun. Spring might be in the air, here but summer is going to be a long way off this year as I’ve just confirmed that I’ll be spending most of April up in the Arctic this year!