Valley moods

Fiona and I are often asked if we just get to the stage that we take the view of the valley for-granted. We always answer no - for at least two reasons: the valley demands to be appreciated because it is ever changing; and because we have a morning ritual where we stop and look out over the valley and mountains to say thanks and as a way of starting the day.

The morning valley and the big sky above it has again demanded attention during this past week. For pre-sunrise and sunrise light there have been some amazing colours and reflected light off some very unusual cloud formations.

©2016 Barry Smith - Valley bathed in pink morning light

©2016 Barry Smith - Detail of a pink morning

©2016 Barry Smith - Thick roll of cloud in the west with pink highlights

©2016 Barry Smith - Streams of ruffled clouds edges in gold - morning light not a sunset

©2016 Barry Smith - Looking to the east over the mountains - blues and golds

©2016 Barry Smith - Looking to the south west - sombre navy, intense red-orange and gold flecked cloudlets

©2016 Barry Smith 

 And the cloud at times just lazily drifts over the mountains.

©2016 Barry Smith - A grey morning with low drifting clod brushing over the mountains

Thick winter cloud masking the setting sun can also create its own subtle and unusual diffused light.

©2016 Barry Smith - Diffused golden light

The light show demands attention; and we are happy to comply.