The weather here at Coed Y Berclas has been stunning and varied over the past few weeks. We have had clear blue skies and sunshine; some rain: and the most amazing mist which rolled in from Llandudno and envelloped the whole coast, bit by bit, as it travelled west. We watched, astonished, its smothering, blanketing progress. Even the tips of the mountains vanished from sight, but when the moon rose, it climbed into a near cloudless sky. Fascinating!
For some weeks the mountains were covered in snow and glimmered to stunning effect in the sunlight, but, as much of Britain took on a mantle of white, the rain, coming off the Atlantic, washed the snow from Snowdonia, apart from the highest peaks.
On Anglesey we have had a few hailstones from time to time but no ‘proper’ snow – I have to admit this is the way I like it – looking out at beautiful snow covered mountains but free to move about easily on snow-free Anglesey is just perfect.
Now we are looking out at the sun twinkling on the waters of the Menai Strait; the misty morning mountains beyond, outlined against a whispy sky.
The pier has Lowry people strolling along it in the sunshine. All the masts of overwintering yachts stand upright, like so many matchsticks, waiting for the new sailing season to arrive: the harbour is quiet except for the mussel boats and the occassional visit of the sand boat.
And, set in its beautiful parkland, Penrhyn Castle slumbers through the winter months, preparing for all the National Trust visitors who will arrive in spring. This is what I see as I type – how lucky we are.
Dorothy Russell
8th January 2012