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| My friend shaking off a snow shower, Friday 8th April |
THURSDAY 7 APRIL
Another cold period last week with constant snow showers and some strong, northerly winds for several days. We had a fresh dusting of snow lying at Aviemore level on a couple of mornings. High up on the Cairngorms this gave a topping up of the already extensive 'old snow' cover. Monday and Tuesday the cold air and snow didn't get as far south and east as was first suggested. It was rain on the tops. By Wednesday this had changed quite a bit. Fresh snow to lower levels right, through till the weekend.
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| Monadhliath, 500m. 7th April |
THURSDAY 7 APRIL
On Thursday I set out to capture the mountain hares in the hope of some images with a covering of fresh snow. A challenging day with 30mph+ winds and poor visibility as frequent snow showers blew through. To capture good images you need to get out in every kind of winter weather & conditions. I was hoping for some snow covered hares with all the snow and wind blowing about.
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| Mountain Hare putting up with the snow showers |
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| Checking those toes |
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| Everything fine in the world |
I spent over 5 hours in snow showers and drier, brighter periods. One guy who is almost as comfortable as my usual 'friend' was very accommodating. The snow showers nothing for these though cookies.
FRIDAY 8 APRIL
Another day forecasted for snow showers and some sunshine. I was keen to get up with the hares again in the hope of a snow covered hare. I almost timed it right. My 'friend' was hunkered behind a boulder with a snow drift over him. Just as the snow eased off and the sun came out he decided to give himself a shake off.
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| Snow covered |
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| Shake off |
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| Next time |
The winds were down a notch and the snow showers were less frequent. When they did pass through it was poor visibility and cold. You have to suffer for your art!
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| Suns out |
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| Not sure |
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| A distant Meall a' Bhuachaille |
SUNDAY 11 APRIL
Back with the hares! With temperatures forecast to rise into the next week this was possibly my ast chance to photograph the hares in snow this winter. The sun was wonderful, much more than what was forecasted and no wind. Today I just had 4 light weight layers on rather than the normal 3-4 heavy duty layering in winter.
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| Fresh snow, fresh hare prints |
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| Snow shapes |
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| Lairig Ghru & Ben Macdui |
At an altitude of 700-850m metres the snow will be melting away quickly so this probably a final day to capture some images of the hares in snow.What a difference from the two previous days. It was a beautiful day to be sitting on the ground and photographing the hares. I soon found my friend, not at his usual form, he was in a sunny position with rocks and snow for protection.
I've been photographing this wonderful guy all winter. Today I was gobsmacked how relaxed he was. He was lazing around outstretched in the sun and dozing only 3 metres away from me for much of the 4 hours I spent in his company.
What a privilege that this hare is so comfortable around me and has been all winter.
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| Lazing in the sunshine |
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| So chilled |
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| Comfortable |
The only sounds were the geese flying overhead, there were flocks every hour or so. What a beautiful sight and sound.
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| Geese in formation |
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| Cairn Gorm in full winter garb |
The high Cairngorms across the strath were looking splendid. They got more snow cover than most of january. As you well know we have more chance of getting snowfall on Easter Day than on Christmas Day. Fact. Although it's looking quite warm the next few days so these images may well be the last good snow we will have this season. But who knows what's in store. Winter is never over until the end of April! I will leave you with some wonderful images of my friend. What a day.
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| Waking up and yawning |
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| Stretch |
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| A clean up |
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| What next? |
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| Feet looking good |
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| Back to sleep |
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