1st January from the West Cliff Green, Bournemouth
The world turns on. The air is fresh and clean as a daisy with a playful, buffeting breeze. Under a grey sky, the waves are also boisterous but the beach is filled with crowds disporting themselves along the flat sand. Just a hint of something spring-like stirring but, perhaps, that is wishful thinking. The gulls wail and call in the distance.
From 1st January 2022
Although we had some clear skies to begin with, by mid-morning the rain clouds were rolling up out of the west, obliterating the Purbeck Hills and closing steadily in until it began to rain with big, cold drops. And so it has continued for most of the day. The sky is grey but it has that luminous quality that reflects brightly of the wet tarmac and paths. The big green evergreen leaves shine like mirrors. The sea rolls in with big breakers but it is not cold and people are on the beach in large numbers. Two blackbirds engage in a vocal contest each trying to outdo the other in volume and innovation. As the gloom deepens, two lads are playing football. The sound filling the late afternoon air. #Bournemouth #WestCliff #Winter #january
From 1st January 2019
It's not cold tonight. In fact I walked home with my coat unbuttoned and my hat in my pocket. The moon is veiled behind high silver clouds. A slight breeze carries that damp, peaty smell that indicates the year has turned. I catch the resiny scent of the pines and the heavy warm garlicy odour of the ransons that now carpet last autumn's leaf litter. In the light of a street lamp I can see a hazel bush covered in catkins. We may have snow and frost to come but beneath it you know that everything has started into growth. Even the soft surf is saying "spring is on the way".
From 1st January 2016
The Beaufort wind scale is an empirical measure. Which means it is judged on the effect the wind is having rather than by knots, mph or kph. Tonight on the clifftop it is definitely at Force 7 (Sea foam blown into streaks and effort needed to walk against it) but there are gusts up to Force 8 ( breaking wave crests forming spindrift and Progress on foot seriously impeded). In addition there is deluging, stinging rain. If you have to work or drive in it, take care and come home safe.
From 1st January 2014
For a few moments the shreds of clouds are torn away leaving the naked stars trembling against the sloe black velvet night. The air is filled with the constant roar of the breakers and, on the cliff edge, I can feel the shaking of the whole mess of white water below.
