17th September from the West Cliff Green, Bournemouth

A cold night, feeling only just above freezing. But a brilliant light from the gibbous moon meanst that there wass enough illumination for a game of football during the early hours. The sun rose to a clear, if chilly morning and a warm drowsy afternoon. If there is one thing such a day is good for, it is reading. Although there are many strenuous uses of the Green, reading is still high on the list of what people come for and there is usually one or two readers to be spotted about the place. Today, a large, pink umbrella provides shade from the intrusive sun.

Reading on the West Cliff Green

From 17th September 2021

This year may have been a bit of a disappointment weather wise. A miserable winter, late spring and almost non-existent summer. But autumn is almost as expected. A series of misty mornings, hot and sunny afternoons and clear but chilly evenings with swipes of pink cloud to the west as the sun sets. The sea is sharply ruffled and the little flags on the fisherman's floats bob and dance in the crisp on-shore evening breeze. And after the summer silence, the birds have begun singing again. Not the full blooded variety of the spring dawn chorus but enough wrens, robins and blackbirds to cheer the way-side bushes.

From 17th September 2018

I can see the lights on the Isle of Wight crystal clear. The masts at Chillerton and Rowridge and from the Needles right down to St Catherine's light. Mark my words well, me hearties. There's a big Sou' westerly on it's way. Take in a few reefs and batten down well. Sail safe.