6th December from the West Cliff Green, Bournemouth
A bitterly cold wind but the sky is clear and the low sun strikes through the trees picking out bright splashes of colour here and there. The leaf litter is pockmarked with the little scrapes the squirrels have been making looking for treasure. A row of black headed gulls in winter plumage sit along the rails moving up one at a time as someone approaches. One of the scots pines is alive with the twittering of gold finches outcompeting a robin nearby. The wagtails have perfected their clown routines so that, as well as their running, bobbing dance at ground level they suddenly fling themselves into midair, hang there wings scrabbling for a second or two before plunging earthwards in a comical parody of a kestrel.
From 6th December 2021
Oh my goodness. The three planets Jupiter, Saturn and, brightest of all, Venus, hanging in the South and West evening sky and all pointing to the crescent moon. Worth putting your boots on and nipping out for. The rich scent of damp leaves fills the air. From the garden of one of the blocks a fox barks on and on to attract a mate. The sea has returned to a soothing gentleness. Late evening walkers huddle in the pools of light cast by the street lights to exchange pleasantries. #Bournemouth #WestCliff #December #Winter
From 6th December 2012
The jack up drilling rig with it's attendant tugs is still loitering out on the grey waters of the bay like a bunch of penniless lads hanging round the doorway of a kebab shop.
From 6th December 2009
A huge rainstorm. Great smoking torrents sweeping out of the blackness across the road. Wipers barely coping.
The wind roaring through the pine tops and howling along the wires makes an oddly comforting sound
Coming home past streams of walkers in boots and arctic gear with mountainous rucksacks and walking poles jostling with joggers in shorts and t.shirts and little water bottles. Previous generations would have made the same stroll after church wearing sunday best suits with the ladies picking up their skirts to avoid the worst puddles.
