July 20th from the West Cliff Green, Bournemouth

There is always a flavour of the Mediterranean on the West Cliff Green. The dark Corsican pines, their resiny scent strong in the air, framing a view of the blue water always reminds me of Greece. But, currently there is that other view, the parched white grass and the cracked earth beneath the old, twisted holm oak trees, their burnt, pale leaves that rustle as people pass to and fro in their shade. All that is missing is the continuous sound of cicadas, Today the sky is grey and there is a blustering breeze but the air is still humid and it is warm enough in the sheltered spots. There are few flowers apart from the tall tough ragworts, evening primroses, mallows and cats ears. The birds are quiet, too. The gulls circle aimlessly. Pigeons coo. #Bournemouth #westcliffgreen #summer #july

From 20th July 2021

As the shadows lengthen. a slight breeze makes the shady glades pleasant to walk in althogh in the last of the full sunlight it is still hot. The bindweed trumpets close up as soon as they are in shade. Clumps of the magically named Enchanters Nightshade have thrown up their strange, spindly flower spikes. Further along a figwort blooms. Just the evening to meet an old friend and have a few minutes conversation.