Dark Matters

The last time I tried this was on the Isle of Skye, in the pitch black, and with no moon. The Milky Way popped out nicely there. Surprising capture too as there'd been at least a bottle of red consumed beforehand and I was fiddling with settings with one eye shut most of the time. But, in the Central Belt, with all its light pollution, plus a near full moon, and the merest hint of cloud too, it wasn't going to be anywhere near as clear tonight. Another night though.

Managed a first run back out on the bike in almost three weeks this afternoon. One of those zig-zag around the tracks type with no planning, just enjoying the fact it wasn't raining or blowing a gale. There were lots of people out walking, jogging and cycling, making a jump start on the post-festive de-tox no doubt (likewise myself). Chatted to one guy out doing some hill sprints (on foot) along one section of the route overlooking the Forth Valley and when he saw me take the camera out to shoot the rising moon he shouted over how we live in such a fantastic looking place. Looking along the hillfoots as the Ochils turned bright orange in the sun set I wasn't going to disagree. When you feel your mojo slipping it sometimes takes that fresh set of eyes to remind you just how lucky you are.

Feeling chilled now (and not just because of standing out in the middle of this field in minus 1 degree C), and almost recharged and ready to face the return to work.

Almost.