Sunset #1 2024

My first sunset photo of 2024, taken at Mudeford Quay.

Swansong

Back again to Mudeford Quay to take in the days' swansong. The clouds a touch thicker and darker this evening; we were gifted a lovely sunset nonetheless. I wasn't the only one taking it the sinking Sun; I wonder if and how other creatures register and experience things like sunsets.

Mudeford quay

 

We used to holiday each year in Cornwall, we loved it, and as you'd expect every day we'd find ourselves somewhere on the coast. This evening I was sat on the edge of the harbour at Mudeford Quay watching the Sun's westward transit, around me the sound of happy chatter, the smell of fish and chips, on the water swans, gliding paddle boarders and the parade of small boats making their way single file up The Run into the harbour at days end, and my mind drifted off; then the dawning realization, this feels just like Cornwall. A warm wave of nostalgia washed over me, then I thought, why don't we come here more often? How could we neglect this local gem. One of the aspects we loved about Cornwall is right here at the end of the road, always has been, and we're such rare visitors. The type of dawning realization that experience tells me I'm undoubtedly destined to repeat.

The Run

Living by the coast in an area seasonally popular with tourists you have to share; half a year belongs to the 'grockles' and the other half is ours, I'm happy to share, I don't begrudge them. We've until Easter to take advantage of the empty beaches, and no matter what the weather a walk on the beach is guaranteed to be glorious.

Sunset

 

It's good to feel the days slowly lengthening.  

Harbour sunset

 Harbour sunset

Beside the seaside

 

Oh I do like to live beside the seaside, oh I do. The view from the 'High Cliff' which gives Highcliffe it's current name; well, Highcliffe on Sea, if you want to pretentious about it, as some of our would be lardy da types do; delusions of grandeur really for a village which until the late 19th century was called 'Slop Pond'. Though I digress. From near to far we have; Christchurch Bay; Mudeford Quay, and the 'Run'; Christchurch Harbour and Hengistbury Head; Bournemouth Bay, with the just visible line of sand being the dunes of Studland Beach; capped off by the Isle of Purbeck at the western end of the Purbeck Ridge, including the high point of Godlingston Hill. Not a bad view really.

The dump

I've seen Christchurch grow and change over the years, in some respects beyond recognition as time and unrestrained urban sprawl marches on relentlessly. Often the changes feel negative, as if something is being lost, which is usually true as pockets of nature are nibbled, bitten off and consumed. This afternoon I cycled into town, along the coast, past Mudeford Quay and over Stanpit. When I was a child Stanpit was the site of the dump, an open council rubbish tip. I remember grubbing about amongst the rubbish like 'Stig of the dump', finding all manner of curiosities, well, it was the 70's. Years later the whole site was buried and landscaped, and subsequently turned into a 9 hole golf course. That golf course has now gone, and the landscape turned into a wildlife area, only in it's infancy the area has massive potential and is a fantastic addition the natural character of the harbour. From the former golf course's raised position you've got great views over the reed flanked rivers of the Stour and Avon, across the marshes, and over the tidal harbour to Hengistbury Head, and all around you nature has already begun to exert dominion, reclaiming what's rightfully hers. This is a positive change I can happily embrace.

A walk to the shops

The changing season and changing weather brings new walking opportunities, even the regular mundane chore walks can take on new dimensions. I had several chores to attend to today, in a range of places. My travels took me along along cliff tops, sandy beaches and across 2 ferries, I crossed 2 rivers, one via two ferry rides and the other via a ferry ride and 2 bridges, I enjoyed a harbour walk, a wander amongst water meadows and reeds, I visited a museum (and could have visited another), passed a range of important prehistoric settlements, through an ancient Saxon Burh, by a Norman Keep and a priory which survived Henry VIII, as well as that I visited old haunts and again collected nettles for soup.  Thirteen miles, in all, a wonderful walk. As I walked I reflected on how lucky I was to live in a place where the walk to the chemist, shops and food fortress, can cover such wonders. 

Neither or both

It was a revolving themed walk today, it was coat closed coat open, hood up hood down, repeat. Driven by high winds the clouds scud across the sky, banks of grey sodden cloud dumped their chilly loads, sometimes heavily. These banks of cloud were regularly broken by expansive patches of clear blue from which a growing spring sun shone. Both weathers blended at their seams, and both were quite intense when established. The sky resolved itself so frequently. I found myself buttoning my coat and putting my hood up to protect from the cold rain, only to have to unbutton my coat and put my hood down as the sun came out and I heated up,  only again to be buttoning my coat and putting my hood up to protect from cold rain, only to........you get the picture. The day really couldn't decide what it wanted to be, it just kept repeating it's options, and I had to go with it. 

Sunset

I spent 40 minutes watching the sun disappear below the Purbeck Hills this evening; it was time well spent. I watched as the sky slowly slowly absorbed colour until the intense colour flooded it. I watched as those colours endlessly morphed into ever deepening rich hues. I think my mouth may have been open, slack jawed local style, as I watched transfixed. Finally after reaching their zenith I watched as those colours darkened faded and slowly drained as twilight fell.What my photos can't show is the sound of bird-call which filled the air, a symphony of sound, which although you could only see a few birds, was surely the sound of hundreds of birds in unison and completion.  Tonight’s sunset was a spiritual thing, for sure. 

Winter sunset at the quay

It rained throughout the day until just before sundown, though it was too late for any sun beyond a thin line on the horizon above the Purbeck Hills.

Summer Solstice sunset down the quay

As it began, so it ended, in natures majesty.

Mudeford sunset #13

Mudeford sunset #13 A sunset of autumnal hues.

Mudeford sunset #12

Mudeford sunset #12
Oh yeah! 

Mudeford sunset #11

Mudeford sunset #11

Mudeford sunset #10

Glorious, man, just plain glorious.

Natures palette (Mudeford sunset #9)

Every evening she gives us a unique sunset to enjoy, each beautiful. Then sometimes, sometimes, she gives us something like this, far out!

Full Moon

Full Moon, I saw you standing alone. The full moon rises in a rainbow hued sky over Mudeford spit. Nice. I never forget how blessed I am to live in an area of such outstanding natural beauty. Full Moon blessing y'all.

Christchuch Harbour #8

I never tire of a sunset.