Stoer Bay Chalets at Clachtoll has at times the most spectacular night sky. Last Saturday we saw a sky that seemed so heavy with stars that it looked like it might burst. All the stars in the sky seemed to reflect as clear as day into Clachtolls own little loch in front of the chalets.
An even more stunning nights sky was to follow on the Sunday night. Starting from almost twilight well into the night, the Northern lights or Aurora Borealis played in the sky showing all a truly breathtaking display of light and colour.
A  new phenomenon also showed himself on Sunday night too.This Phenomenon has been named “Steve” and is described by NASA as a narrow arc of light which aligns east – west and may extend hundreds or thousands of miles emitting light in purple hues during an Aurora Borealis. Steve’s more correct title is a Strong Thermal Emission Velocity Enhancement. Astronomers are trying to better understand the phenomenon, and NASA is funding a citizen science project seeking sighting.
Though it is impossible to predict when a show of the northern lights will ever appear the most likely times to see them are said to be March, April, September and October, when the nights are more likely to be cold and clear.
Out of pure curiosity, I decided to find the meanings of the words Aurora Borealis. Here is what I found. Aurora is the Roman god of the dawn and Borealis is the Greek name for the north wind. Another completely useless piece of information is that the name Steve is in homage to the 2006 children’s film Over the hedge, where the characters gave the name to creature they had not ever seen before.
As the week draws to an end I have a feeling the night sky maybe a little more overcast. With showers forecast any sightings of stars, Auroa borealis or Steve may be extremely unlikely….but hey there’s always more nights to come.

After missing last week it was good to be back to Stoer Bay chalets @ Clachtoll. Catching up on some work. Things are starting to come together. We are very excited about our first season at Stoer Bay Chalets. Looking forward to meeting new people through the chalets and making some new friends too.
Though the snow banks at the side of the road still very much in evidence, even two week after the snow fall. Showing just how high the drifting must have been.With snow still evident in the mountains too. Though the mountains do look pretty magnificent all year round there something magical about snow on the mountain tops.
Edal’s interiors are shaping up. The lovely new wet wall, flooring, shower and shower unit in the shower room making it look very smart. The outside of the porch has all been re clad and looking very spruce. All we are waiting for are 2 new double glazed bedroom windows to arrive and she will be all set for the season.
Meanwhile we have just started giving her twin chalet Mijbil next door exactly the same TLC . With both also having all rooms freshly painted throughout and some recarpeting and new soft furnishings. Its great to see everything coming together.
In the meantime our youngest son was even in on the act and enjoying the lovely warm weather. He gave the store shed a much needed  coat of stain. Though only 14yrs old (though quick to remind us, nearly 15), it can be very handy the youngest being the tallest in the family. At just under 6 feet he can reach places that the rest of us would need a ladder for! I’m sure he will appreciate it one day?!

While the chalets sat in their wee snug corner in Clachtoll where very little snow fell. We sat at home and had none at all  for what felt like the first time all winter. Meanwhile the road in between us was a different story.  They were cleared as far as Ullapool. Beyond that however was completely cut off . The winds causing severe drifting making the road  impossible to clear for several days.
This did  give us a much needed opportunity to get to Inverness and purchase some bits and pieces for the chalets however. Though how we ended up decorating our own bathroom on the Sunday is beyond us. You would off thought we would have relished a break from  painting!
I  have to take my hat off to all the snowplough drivers and crew. We have defiantly had a much harsher winter with snow around far longer than in many years. Any time we have been up and down the road this winter they have been out working, sometimes in impossible conditions to keep the roads clear. We must also thank locals to Clachtoll  for their help, especially the boy who not only towed us up the hill out of Clachtoll one icy Sunday but made sure we got out onto the main road at Lochinver too. Very much appreciated.
I must confess as someone who usually loves any snow I am looking forward to Spring this year. The signs are here. Its on its way. All the daffodils in the chalet grounds are popping up as well as crocuses and snowdrops making their appearences too. Not be long now…I hope!

At Stoer Bay Chalets we are  busy preparing  for our first guests arriving. Its hard not to be too distracted by the stunning views, when  all we have to do is look out of a  chalet window over the beautiful Loch an Aigeil.  It is  easy to forget we are meant to be working.

The chalets interiors are starting to look very smart and homely with some new soft furnishings and upgrades throughout. We hope to have some photos of them  on the website very soon, so please come back and check them out.

Welcome to Stoer Bay Chalets new website. Please have a look around and feel free to contact us if you have any questions.