I almost never use the grid when cropping but do see it as a benefit to improve shots from those that always center their shots.
The only time I center the subject is for portraits.
From what I have seen over the years, most "dust spots" that show up in images are due to dust spots that are on the camera sensor. Learn how to determine if you have dust on your camera sensor and how to safely and properly clean your camera sensor.
A long time ago, I had a dust spot that I...
Being near the ocean has a great modifying effect on your local climate. Altitude also has a big effect. The fact that he is in the southern hemisphere and just coming out of winter also makes a difference since the winter snows on those mountains haven't hit the heat of summer yet.
For those that want to know more about their cameras, I highly recommend the forums at DPReview . Go to the forum that fits your camera and learn your camera. Join or just read. The members can be very helpful.