The snow provides an alien landscape, the wind continues to howl and wail and the roads are frozen in sections. Snow flurries are constant but gentle and pretty.

While housebound, we enjoy the complete change not only in weather but in tempo . We don't get up until nine and life is slow! We eat delicious morsels and sip far too much warming whiskey! Digby draws and I explore with embroidery cottons.

Two days after a winter landscape we wake to dazzling sunshine over Glendale! Blue sky no less! The colours are vivid. The snow quickly retreats to higher ground and the wind abates.

Dressed warmly, for it is still cold, we hurry to Coral Beach beyond Dunvegan Castle. Coral Beach is actually numerous black stones tumbled by the sea with patches of yellowed sand.

The round trip on foot is five kilometres. Five kilometres and two hours of sheer bliss as Digby fossicks and draws and I collect tide - wrack! The landscape sparkles with clarity and colour. Fat seals bask in the sunshine.

We foray off to Portree over hill and dale to again replenish depleted provisions. The butcher, the baker, the candlestick maker (woodman actually). We have delicious scotch broth and bread and butter in the Caledonian Cafe and I try a rhubarb and custard ice cream. Life is good!

We fit in a late 'cuppa' at Borrodale with Sam and Jane before returning to 6 Fasach as evening falls. 

We reflect on what a wonderful, sun-filled day we have had. It is so cold that Digby needs to warm his red wine beside the fire! That is a first! 

And in the morning we wake to howling winds and frenetic rain sleeting against the windows.

Ah Skye - you're a wee bit fickle with your weather!