July 31st

Another grey dawn with a brilliant silver band lighting up the bay to the East. But there is no sign of the sun although the day continues hot and humid and the strong breeze keeps most people from the beach. And then the clouds begin to darken in earnest and roll up to cover the whole sky. But still there is no rain. There is a downpour in the New Forest but it comes no nearer. And then towards the evening the wind drops and the clouds disperse. The long low rays of the evening sun illuminate the patchwork fields and hills of Purbeck across the bay. And as the shadows deepen, the tall buildings surrounding the Green are bathed in brilliant honey coloured light. The gulls seem far away out across the bay where the large waves are being enjoyed by a few evening swimmers. Every tree seems to contain a pigeon whose cooing joins together in a low vespers. Couple walk slowly hand in hand. #Bournemouth #WestCliffGreen #July #Summer

From July 31st 2021

A uniform grey sky like cold lumpy porage but away to the east the newly risen sun breaks through just enough to cast a brilliant halo of light onto Hengistbury Head. The sea sways backwards and forwards sighing quietly to itself. A wren sings lustily from the depths of a clifftop bush. Two fledgling herring gulls, heads down in supplication and squeaking plaintively chase an adult for breakfast . She keeps flying up to keep just ahead of them.