12th December from the West Cliff Green, Bournemouth
The wind is still bitterly cold but it has dried out many of the footpaths. But where there has been heavy footfall, the frost has turned to slush and then refrozen overnight making walking difficult. The sky is sullen and grey and the sea shivers quietly. On the horizon, the grey mist lingers. It appears like an abstract modernist painting. An even carpet of golden sweet chestnut leaves are revealed under the frost. A couple of parties of white domestic pigeons have taken over the still fozen grass. Our resident wood pigeons are busy elsewhere. Robins are singing brightly from many branches and are joined by the occasional wren. An odd looking juvenile gull is lumbering about in unfamiliar territory. In its winter plumage it is difficult It is difficult to make out what variety it is but it has deep smudgey marks over its eyes and side of its head so I would guess a Black Back; gull either greater or lesser.
From 12th December 2021
A dark and gloomy night. The sea booms restlessly. The empty paths and alleys seem mournfully sad in the pools of lamplight. The Celtic Mariner battles its way out of the darkness towards the harbour entrance. A steady breeze propels me along the cliff top. #bournemouth #WestCliff #December #winter
From 12th December 2013
The air is filled with the noise of the sea tonight. Long raking surf sweeping in from the darkness. Not the thud and crash of big waves but a sustained booming roar like the deep pedals of a mighty organ.
