Photo credit - Chapel Lane
Today is another boiling hot day in Surrey. I sit inside with all the windows flung open, waiting for the briefest of breezes to cool me down. I need to mention here that we are in the middle of a heatwave that has lasted nearly 2 months! If you had informed me in our late Spring that we were about to enter 8 weeks of solid sunshine I would have laughed and said it was not possible. Here in England we have years when summer never actually arrives and we live through months of constant rain. But this year we haven't had any decent rain for 8 weeks.
Instead of grumbling I decided that yesterday was going to be my perfect day. I would work with the weather and not against it. This meant waking early when it was still cool. Taking my coffee and breakfast outside and enjoying the crisp morning air and quiet in the courtyard.
It was blissfully peaceful and not long after sitting down my little family of swallows joined me. They are the sweetest encouragers, chattering and playing tag over the courtyard. I watched them racing after each other, over the wall, under the arch, round the corner and back over my head and into the store room. I can't work out if they are chasing each other, racing each other, fighting with each other or just having fun. It gives me such a thrill when they skim over my head in a double fly over, pushing the air aside as their little bodies soar overhead.
My little family of 3 has grown to 21! I counted them as they all sat on the telephone wire taking a break from their games of tag and chase. I'm not sure if they are having lots of babies or just inviting all their friends over to party.
Rosie, Finnegan & Hamlet sitting on one of my paintings.
After I had sat for half an hour eating breakfast and enjoying their antics, I packed 'Little bee' my yellow Mini and headed down to West Wittering for a day on the beach.
The road to the beach is a quick straight drive down the A3 towards Portsmouth and then a sharp left towards Chichester. I always enjoy the journey which is an easy downhill cruise. The hard part is fighting the traffic ques that build up in the country lanes heading towards the beach. But if you leave early enough you can be there before any congestion builds up.
At the far end of West Wittering beach is an area that is very special and tucked away from the huge crowds that pack the main beach. Fortunately the average person that visits West Wittering is not aware of it and leaves it to those who know that if they drive to the very far end of the carpark they will be able to escape the crowds. East Head National Trust nature reserve is an area of sand dunes which is wide and spacious and clean. The dunes provide hiding places for sunbathing and secret hollows where you can hide away with a book and still enjoy the expansive views across the sparkling blue sea to the Isle of Wight. There is usually a cooling breeze at the beach which makes it deceptively pleasant and hides the strength of the sun. Along the inlet leading up to the harbour at Itchenor are boats anchored in the shallow coves where picnics, Bbq's and beach parties are held.
I can't put into words the sense of freedom and delight that comes with so much wide open space, endless blue skies and miles and miles of water to swim in. The health experts call it 'Blue Space.' A place to let the mind wander, to get creative, to drop all anxiety and stress and soak up happiness.
I love that feeling of letting go, relaxing into the deep salty cool water and feeling it wash all the heat and dirt and every care away. With temperatures in the mid thirties inland, there is a much needed drop in temperature at the beach, a fresh breeze and loads of cool water to soak in.
The photos below are not mine, they are taken from an Irish company named 31 Chapel Lane which specialises in making linen clothing. Talking of 'Blue Space' creativity, this collection is called 'sea hymns' which I think is a beautiful title. I have posted them because they capture an afternoon at the seaside better than my photo's do. They also have that magical touch from an innocent time gone by when treasure was found in collecting seashells and driftwood and paddling in rock pools.
Photo Credit 31 Chapel Lane
Photo Credit 31 Chapel Lane
Photo Credit 31 Chapel Lane
Photo Credit 31 Chapel Lane
I think we might have a thunderstorm tonight, the drought might finally be coming to an end. And if the weather does break, I will definitely head outside to enjoy a celebration dance in the rain.