15th June from the West Cliff Green, Bournemouth
The bay mirrors the huge arch of the intensely blue sky. The West Cliff rises 30 metres above the white sands and the necklace of beach huts along the sea front. The water is transparent and barely rippled. Long grass is white and rests in swathes. Ox-eye daisies push up and grin cheerfully beside the steps that lead down to the beach. The early morning seems to hold its breath waiting for the readers to take their places on the benches in the shade and the sun worshippers to braise steadily in the sun. A blackbird sings and pigeons coo.
From 15th June 2022
The morning begins with the sound of mowers from the gardens of the appartment blocks and hotels. Almost no breeze but the air is still clean and fresh. Thin white clouds patchwork small areas of the blue sky. Just enough to stop the day becoming too hot. Hot air radiates off the bracken which is well over head height in places. Ragwort and Bristly ox Tongue are today's flowers. A juvenile robin, lacking the red breast as yet and with streaked brown feathers tries out a few notes of song in a high pitched uncertain voice. Sunbathers lie out on the grass from first thing in the morning until evening. The sea is transparent green and small crabs and shells can be seen on the sand down through the sun wavering depths. #bournemouth #westcliffgreen #summer #June
From 15th June 2021
A grey morning until the sun broke through at ten. Warm enough for a swim, though. On the cliff I can't help noticing new flowers every day. Today was Rough Hawkbit, a tallish dandelion like yellow flower which has taken advantage of the patches of poor grass to spring up in profusion. A tiny round leafed cranesbill shelters at the edge of the tall bracken and here and there some foxgloves already bursting into bloom.
From 15th June 2018
The driver of the big white Mercedes is heavy built, sharp suited. He leans nonchalently against the car smoking. His passenger returns down the steps after a few minutes inside the block opposite. They get in without exchanging words and the Mercedes glides away. I can't help wondering what so many similar visitors find to do in the apartment with the lights that stay on all night.
From 15th June 2011
It looked as though the weather was lifting an hour ago. But now the cloud has come down and the horizon is blotted out. I probably won't be swimming today.
