17th February from the West Cliff Green, Bournemouth
A bold, blustering wind. The bay is polished to a shiny pewter by the sun appearing from behind the lumpy grey clouds. A single celandine has made its way up through the rough grass by the fence. Crocuses are beginning to appear on the big grassy space. The story is that the Rotarians planted a huge spoked wheel of crocuses some years ago. Unfortunately, over winter the local squirrels discovered this treasure trove of goodies and dug many of them up. When the crocuses eventually emerged in the spring they had been reduced to the shape of an enormous Swastika. There are only a few clumps left now but they do succeed in bringing a little colour to this part of the Green and people, generally, leave them alone.
From 17th February 2022
The breeze is bright and playful and, where there is shelter, it is quite warm.. Spring flowers are taking over the grassy banks. Violets, daisies, dandelions and, if you look carefully among the clumps of foliage, the little sapphire speedwells. All these as well as the mass of gorse and charlock on the cliff edge. The sun breaks through the lumpy clouds and polishes the anxious wave with a brilliant sheen. But there is a coppery mist curtaining the horizon and excited little gusts of wind send up little showers of brown leaves. There is weather on the way. #Bournemouth #westcliffgreen #springisonitsway #February
From 17th February 2021
t's not a gale but the wind is blustering, driving sudden icy squalls of rain before it. The day is trying to be a monochrome grey but everywhere there is colour. The rich browns and oranges of last years leaf litter splashed with brilliant multi-toned greens of new growth grass and a particularly eye-catching moss that covers the bare patches. But everywhere is washed over with the golden yellow of the gorse. Sometimes the wind racing through the trees sets the holm-oaks hissing and the pine branches roaring until the din overcomes the crashing surf. The wind gusts and dies back and the sea noise has ascendancy. Then the wind picks up again. I leave the elements fighting it out.
From 17th February 2016
A characterless evening. A steady damp chill in the air. A steady downpour of cold rain. A steady roar from the sea. Still it's wonderful to be out in it.
