It was a very rough start to the day thanks to a gale force wind. On my journey in I noticed a few wheelie bins having been blown over. The lid of one of our recycling pods dangled from one hinge as the last user forgot to close the clasp. A flapping fence panel will shortly need to be attended to and yet more leaves we need to be removed from drains!
Thus, it was an excellent morning to feel the force of the elements, which kept most wildlife out of sight. A few Wood Pigeon briefly rose above the tree tops. Of course, a Robin passed across a path between Blackthorn scrub. From “Rest & Admire”, white water was seen hurtling across Durlston Bay and battered Peveril Point. I noticed for the first time two Tamarisk bushes exposed by recent clearance near then aforementioned bench, thus being far from the Globe plantings. A Carrion Crow was heard but not seen.
Indeed, the weather conspired the deter me from going to the coastal observation point and even down lighthouse road. The combination of the wind blowing against me and the its pelting rain in my face made me turn back. Both Sycamore and Ash trees had been rather good a shedding mostly small branches, albeit an exception being one an inch in diameter and as tall as I. Even the hedgerow beside Long Meadow path flexed cartoon-like towards me on the path. It still contained Haws, Sloes and Rosehips for any creatures sheltering within.
Beside the gallery the wind whined as passed against the building. Tumbleweed like small branches raced past. I waited until the wind eased before taking the woodchip path from the Castle to the Centre. Far reaching branch tips flexed and threaten to slap my head! Small clay coloured stream ran at the edges of the Lighthouse Road. It was a surprise to see hot flying cinder being blown from the very low walling centre bonfire. Even the Stevenson Screen containing the weather station flexed on its stilt-like legs which led to lose items being thrown to the floor on a several occasions. A very windy morning!