Bora has been gathering strength since dawn. The sky is crystal clear except for distant clouds beyond the ridge of the Mirna valley to the northeast. Hours ago I thought I spied the Alps behind the billowing clouds, including a sharp peak covered with snow, but all my subsequent attempts to verify this morning’s fleeting impression have been unsuccessful. In the hope that the wind will sweep the clouds away, I take the binoculars to the window and check the clouds every hour or so. If anything, they are gathering strength, as well.

Addendum (September 26, 2004)

Miro Kopčalić told me he saw the Alps yesterday morning. Bora was blowing like mad. The rising sun was strong. And the sky was clear. The Alps stretched to the east and northeast. Ragged peaks shone white in the brilliant light. The view was splendid, he said. Oh, how I envied him…