Last year I observed that the only snowfall Orkney seemed to experience was sideways sleet, that created a <1cm of snow on the ground, which didn’t stick more that 36 hours at most. And that was pretty much the case all of last year and most of this winter.
Well, this week we had a true snowfall. Just like back home. Big fluffy flakes, that ended up being about 5-8cm accumulation. Needless to say, the town shut down. The streets were deserted, next to no pedestrians, and a couple of friends emailed to check that I was alright. So very kind of them, but did I mention that it was between 2 & 3 inches worth, at most? But by this morning I could see the gritters had been out, as Scout & I headed out for our morning walk (only the second time I’ve worn my traction soles since arriving).
It was a very quiet walk – next to no one was out. What I could not get over was how beautiful everything was. I thought I had seen Orkney at its best, but this morning’s sunshine on the snow turned the town and the countryside into something magical. Snowcaps on the drystane walls, the bluest skies imaginable, and crocuses and snowdrops peeking up through the snow.
The snow is pretty wet now (it’s 3° and sunny) so it won’t last, and I know several of my friends found this a great inconvenience, but I am so glad I got to see one true snowfall here in Orkney.
Pictures are beautiful. Although Scott doesn’t look all that impressed….lol