dawadderman

Out to Lerwick for the day for a visit to the eye clinic (specialists up from Aberdeen).

Morning Loganair 'Islander' flight from Fair Isle. Calm frosty morning with excellent vis. Lifted off from Fair Isle and, as we climbed up to 1500 ft, much of the Shetland mainland was visible - looking very close despite the fact that Sumburgh was still some 25 miles away. Foula, some 60 miles away to the northwest, stood impressively on the horizon, while away to the north Ronas Hill (higest point in Shetland) was also visible.

Eddie flew us north along the spine of the South Mainland, the low winter morning's sunshine hilighting every bump and hollow in the landscape below showing the position of numerous long-abandoned areas of habitation.

Many of the valleys were still white after the hard overnight frost - particularly the Quarff valley - still awaiting the first warming glow of the rising sun. The Tingwall valley was particularly impressive - so white with hoar frost that it looked as if covered by a dusting of snow!

The return flight home, perhaps not quite so impressive or smooth as the morning flight as the low setting sun was hidden behind clouds and a light SE'ly wind had develped, . However the vis. was still excellent and, as we headed south above Scalloway, not only was Fair Isle visible some 40-50 miles away but so were the Orkney islands another 25 miles distant!

On days like this living on a remote isle seems no problem at all. A fortnight ago I waited five days for the weather to improve before we were able to make the 25 minute flight from Tingwall to Fair Isle!

Dawadderman