The winds of Storm Imogen, that reached 96 m.p.h. off The Needles, howled all night and continued at 55-65 m.p.h. throughout the day. Carol had the good sense to suggest I might need to postpone our lunch date. This was very wise as the trains I would need to catch were severely disrupted, and trees were reported down on roads such as the A35.
We were warned against venturing out unless our journey was urgent. I trust you will agree that investigating the views across Christchurch Bay to the Island fitted that bill.
We began on Hordle Cliff Top where it was impossible to see what I was doing, as I was forced backwards by the gusts. Consequently I needed to straighten this one up in my Mac. The computer that is, not the one I was wearing.
Enticed by the prospect of spray on the rocks at Barton on Sea, that is where I took the rest of the photographs.
Descending the car park steps was easier than the battle that was the return.
Close examination of the images will reveal the effects of the flying spray spattered on my lens.
The buildings on the clifftop clung to their perches,
beneath which one of the very few dog walkers in evidence clung to her hood.
Back home, the BBC 1 p.m. News, featured Barton on Sea. Actually, the scene looked more like Milford to me, but never mind. I’m probably wrong.
It being Elizabeth’s birthday, we further braved the storms to meet her, Danni, and Andy for dinner at The White Hart at Cadnam. We shared, olives, stuffed peppers, and bread in a balsamic vinegar dip. My main course was rabbit, ham and lentil broth with parsley dumpling. I shared a cheese board with Danni; and good Chilean red wine with her and Elizabeth.
I guess “urgent” means whatever you have an urge to do! Beautiful photos, Derrick.
Thanks, Cynthia. Yep
It’s good to respect Mother Nature.
Thanks, Leslie
Wow, that’s one angry sea. Great shots, Derrick! The black and whites are fantastic!
Many thanks, Jill
The same reporter was on “The World at One” on the radio, and I thought of you. He said it was too windy to stand up straight, but didn’t mention any mad people out taking photographs, so I assumed you were being sensible. Ummmm… 🙂
Don’t be daft, Paul. Thanks
I can appreciate the punishment you endured as you waited for the waves to break against the rocks; you caught them well. Of course you must go out into a storm to take pictures of it 🙂 Love rabbits; yum.
Many thanks, Mary
Great shots as always!
Thank you, Sofia
You are kindly welcome my friend! Enjoy your Tuesday!
Oh, ho – you storm chaser you!! You know I had just opened up this post to read – on a clear, fine warm summers morning – when Siddy suddenly warned me something was amiss and then – Wham! Hail began to fall followed immediately by a howling, gusting wind that could well have been a tornado as it blew through the house, in one side, out the other side and disappeared. I never gave the camera a thought!! I think your Imogen just sent me a wee taster of what you are having 🙂
🙂 Thanks, Pauline
Great shots, Derrick! Imogen hit us too.
Thanks, Inese
I love the photos, John. Such a shame about the storm. Hope you’re well.
Many thanks, Sabiscuit. I’m fine
Ach, the thing one must do for one’s art. 🙂 wild and wooly pictures.
Many thanks, Widdershins
I almost asked yesterday if this was coming your way. Great photos. I imagined you snug at home, but out on your patch of coast taking photos is equally imaginable. Great surf!
Many thanks, Lisa. You wouldn’t expect me to pass up the opportunity, now, would you?
Hard to Imogen it.
🙂 Thank you, Bruce
The things you do for your readers! Using black and white images was a stroke of genius.
Many thanks, Yvonne
A blustery day, indeed! Not only are you a talented photographer, you’re also a dedicated one, as well. I shivered seeing the beautiful but rather angry waves. ? ? ?
Thanks, Rose
A lovely photograph with the spray and what might be some kind of signpost.
Thanks, John. I think it’s a (red) warning of the rocky breakwater
Black and white is perfect for this weather. Imogen paid us a visit but no beautiful seascapes to capture near here. Intrepid photographers must venture where the delights are, including The White Hart. 🙂
Thanks, Anne-Marie
It does look wild. On a previous occasion I have ventured to Hartland Point in the grips of a storm. It was worth it, most exhilarating.
We did lose power in the end, although not until the evening. An enforced early night!
Thanks, Jessica
Hope it’s a better day for you today, though it may not be as fruitful photographically.
Believe it or not it is calm and sunny! Thanks
Glad to hear it!
Life is there for those living! Your dare-devilledness paid off – great photos.
Thanks, Sol
Terrific pictures! Glad you stayed safe while taking them. And that dinner sounds delicious.
Many thanks, Laurie
The photos are beautiful, they express the mood and atmosphere of the moment. Regards, Lakshmi
Many thanks, Lakshmi
You know Derrick, these are my kinds of days and shots! Good for you – they turned out great.
Many thanks, Mary. I imagine you would have made some good graphite drawings
Amazing shots! It doesn’t seem to matter what you photograph, you just have the talent for taking such evocative pics that I want to move to the UK. 🙂
Many thanks, Bianca
Love your pics, Derrick 🙂 An ugly day, but beautiful pictures. So… Even Imogene can be pretty sometimes.
Thank you, Monica
Not a great day to be out, but glad you capture some beautiful scenes.
Thanks Amy. It had to be done 🙂
These pictures are so apt for such an event. How brave of you to go out there and get them. Thanks for sharing. They have such an otherworldly quality in them. The dosage of light and dark in them is really compelling for the eye.
Many thanks, Geetha
Welcome Derrick 🙂
These images are astounding … Particularly the light playing off the sea in some of the black and whites. 🙂
Many thanks, Ashley. I thought you might like them
Of course. 🙂 They’re right up my alley. And I love that you went out into the fray to get them, too! Must have been exhilarating.