As I approach Durlston this morning the sky is a mosaic of tones and contrasts. Ominous looking dark stormy blue of the Nimbo-stratus, spreading and rising high the dense Cumulo-nimbus and baby blue and white horizontal lines of the Alto-stratus clouds fill the sky. Rain water is trickling down the stream bed as I enter the Woodland of Durlston Country Park. I walk towards the coast where the sea is roaring in the distance and the strong Easterly waves are crashing on the beach and echoing around Durlston Bay.
It is all about the trees this morning, the flat underside of the Corsican Pine canopy stands out against the leafless Sycamores around it. I take a photo looking up the trunk silhouetting the pine needles that look like Sea Urchins against the grey sky. The lime green leaves of the Privet create an arch over the coast path and as I wonder past its branches creek as they rub together in the strong winds.
From a viewpoint the sun is shining on the waves breaking over the exposed Purbeck beds, as each wave hits the rocks, light spray is thrown high into the wind and the water is sent rolling backwards into the next approaching wave. I carry on my walk around the edge of the castle to view Peveril point and as I pass the strong wind is rumbling and whistling through the castle turrets.
Down on the cliffs two Shag’s are flying low on the water looking like they are trying to land but struggling in the wind. Four Fulmars look joyful as they fly making sudden turns in the strong gusts to keep airborne, their legs dangling as if totally out of control. There is a constant stream of Guillemots heading towards the cliffs but as I walk further down the ledge is empty so they must of found a little protected knock to shelter in.
Tamarisk flicked back and forth crackling and popping as the branches collide together. Huge waves are crashing over Tilly Whim caves and as I look up the sky is an ominous black colour against the bright white of the Anvil Point Lighthouse. The meadows as slowly filling up with colour and life of Lesser Celendine, Primrose, Dandelion, Daisy, Cowslips and Early Purple Orchids constantly changing everyday. As I turn to head back to the centre the bright sun is trying to shine through the misty clouds.