The first of February has brought bright sunshine and stunning views in every direction. Even a trip to collect groceries from the Co-op at Brodick this morning was a feast for the eyes, with intense colour on the Shore Road and the lower hills and dazzling white 'on the tops'. A stop at the viewpoint near Lamlash rewarded us with this view of Goatfell in a white cloak of snow. 

Well done Lamlash, Isle of Arran on a great bonfire and fabulous fireworks tonight! This afternoon it rained - really rained! Lesser mortals than those bred in Arran would have cried off BUT the rain eased AFTER the crowds gathered and the bonfire (with spectacular Guy) smouldered and then burst into glorious flames. Intriguingly, the Fire Brigade lit the fires!! Is this a professional conflict of interest?  They did it so well one has to wonder. No traffic queues, an excellent view, why would you want to go anywhere else?

After arriving back home to Carraig Mhor, Arran last night, we awoke to find these amazing boats in the harbour. One was tied up on the pier and the other came in later in the morning. They look like naval ships from one of the world wars First World War, Second World War? Painted grey and ready for restoration.  Please, does anyone know what they are? We'd love to hear from the owners! They were a great sight to see! 

Ready for the off (as a spider)  to Hallowe'en in Lamlash, Arran.  Conversation overheard earlier in the day .....'It's not like it used to be'  'No, my mother used to send me to the top of the step ladders in the kitchen, with a pitchfork and if ye didnee hit the apple ye didnee get it!' :-)

After a few mild days of high winds, dramatic skies, sunshine and rainbows Thursday dawned warm sunny and settled. We took advantage of the beautiful weather to walk the woodland footpath from Lamlash to Brodick. Apart from one family having a picnic at the viewpoint, we did not encounter another sole on the three mile path. The landscape has shifted from rich heather purples and vibrant greens to a fiery autumnal celebration of bracken browns, reds, oranges, pinks and purples. The path, follows and criss-crosses a foamy burn for much of its length, birds song filled the air and there was total peace in the woodland. I was overjoyed to find a plump juicy blackberry and felt no guilt at plucking it to eat as the woods are full of berries a-plenty for the wildlife. It was delicious, cool and sweet - the perfect accompaniment to the feast for the eyes provided by the Arran countryside. I wondered with a tinge of sadness if it would be the last of the season. Not so! Along the path were many more  and even pale mauve blackberry flowers! When I wonder in this mildest of autumns will we see the last blackberry?