The Whopper

Reynolds Stone (1969)

Set the controls for the heart of the sun

One of the most magical and eagerly awaited days of the year has to be the annual Eggardon Kite Festival. I wrote something similar last year, but it is so simple it works. I think it just runs on a tide of happiness and that is OK by me. 

Just watch your kite in quiet contemplation, enjoy the view and if you let on that you are a fisherman then expect birds nest tangles to untangle and knots to be re-done. It's great! 

Peregrine plunge

After a short spell of feeling groggy I had the sudden urge to get to the sea. I have that urge every day I might add, just to see it is enough, but what I mean is get in the sea. I had to go. Perhaps it's the thought that this will be my last proper chance over the next week or so as the sea temperature is always around its highest now.

Even though the water temperature was about 15 degrees centigrade it was still a shock to the system - no namby pamby rubber suit for me, oh no! I ensured my focus was on the cliffs in front of me and then went for it - the young peregrine falcons arrived and gave me my own personal air show as I swam on my back - magic!

The tonic for such a dip was a pot of coffee and bacon sarnies cooked on the beach - doesn't get much better than that. Other than the peregrines of course!

How rude!

You thought it! I haven't said anything yet, so don't blame me! Now, I do know I have been known to have the odd bit of rude fruit and veg on here, but I just could not resist posting these two pictures. The rocks were found on the beach on our very own Jurassic Coast and both a short walk apart. I'll say no more.The Captain does have a word - puerile. Titter ye not!

Sold Out!

Charleston

I love the autumn, which seems to be ever nearer each morning this week, but I also like to hold on to the last days of summer for as long as I can. The last few days have felt like the tail end.......but, if we are lucky there is still the odd corker of a day to be had. It was such a day on my recent visit to the magnificent Charleston Farmhouse.  

It's a bit like Marmite - you either love it or hate it. I love it. It is actually perfect in every way, but I'll try and not be too gushing - just enjoy the photo's. None allowed from inside the house I am afraid, so you will have to make do with the garden. It was the country home of Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant and not a million miles away from the Ravilious Greenhouse. There is so much to see in this part of Sussex. The country church of Berwick which has strong links to Grant and Bell is nearby and this did actually leave me lost for words......more of that another day maybe.  

The Angler's Paradise