Blue skies and low tide

It has been good to see blue skies again especially after the high winds and rain earlier in the week that locally caused three lorries and many trees to blow over. Our solar panels today recorded the highest reading since they were installed in October and we have enjoyed our first ice-cream sitting outside by the sea.

The Bay has been very busy over the weekend, although not at 7.30 in the morning when this first picture was taken ...

and when there was only the company of a cormorant sitting on one of the navigation warning posts.

This week we have had one of the lowest tides of the year and taking advantage of this, the annual dredging of the outer harbour has been taking place. It has been a huge task to move the sand and pebbles back to the beach in between the high tides.

The lower tide has allowed closer access to some of the boats in the inner harbour.

Stonecrop growing on rocks by the harbour wall.

This year I am trying to capture more of the plants and wildlife around the bay. The skylarks have also returned to the fields above us. It is so good to hear their joyful song again, however they are not easy to photograph, unlike this goldfinch who was quite happy to pose!

A goldfinch sitting on the telephone wire

We have been busy in the garden too. Our jobs included planting some autumn cropping raspberry canes. Pride always comes before a fall - only last week I told Amanda how Tavi was so much better in the garden now he was a year older. A day after the planting we saw him proudly sitting on the lawn with a raspberry cane at his feet! What a shame the camera wasn't to hand!

View across Lyme Bay from Eype

When we took an evening walk and watched the sun go down, we met some holiday makers who were so excited by the amazing location and exclaimed how lucky we were all to be here on holiday. It seemed unfair to point out that we are able to enjoy this view via a short walk all year around.