It is good to review this incredibly varied stretch of coastline in really wet weather. My original intention to stride south along the sands is not possible as the south-westerly is holding the sea inshore, driving the tide in early. Instead I make it over the cliff base rockery to the place I call the paddling pool.
Rain full in my face, over glistening boulders and ridges. I find some respite from the driving rain in the lee of a cliff spur. From there I watch the waterfalls that drop over the back wall of the beach change from silver to ochre-charged cascades, those streams that the wind allows to get over the cliff lip at all. Some rock splinter from the cliff wall is shedding too so a wide berth is advisable for the return. No chance to shelter enough to eat a lunch. Reduced opportunities to do much with the camera too.
The sea becomes more frantic, shedding increasing drifts of spume, tide racing in hours before the tables say it is due. I make my return with a wary eye on the narrowing shore but still with time to pause, trying to make an image that captures the place and the day.
I have about three hours of it, keeping mostly dry. I leave by mid afternoon as the daylight is ebbing.
There is an album of pictures on Flickr: shortest day . . .
