Wild Is The Wind - Johnny Mathis

The most outstanding feature of today has been the wind, even before springing out of my hammock this morning it was rattling the windows at an estimated 30 to 40 knots. The sky was again heavily leaden, making me think there had to be some accompanying rain but except for a passing shower it remained dry. Local patches were once again lacking in bird-life, and as it's been nearly a fortnight since last visiting Portland where else better to go?

On my way to the bus I bumped into 'great mate' Peter Smith who I will endlessly describe as Weymouth's Mister Music. We have shared a good few gigs together and while he'll always deny it (modest to a fault) his guitar playing is certainly among the best that Dorset can boast.

Great to see you again Smudge!

Before we had chance to part company, another long standing mate Fiona Penney appeared from her shop Sunflowers in St Thomas Street, Weymouth. Bedecked in Holly she was unable to stop for a chat, busily preparing for the Christmas rush, but feel sure we'll catch up in the New Year. I have no idea how long this shop has been in existence but do recall being one of the very first customers (if not 'the' first), but have never been disappointed with either product of service.

Wishing you a profitable run-up to Christmas Fiona!

Alighting the bus at the Bill car park was like walking into another world, as when we think its windy in the relative shelter of the conurbation, its blowing a 'hooligan' out here. Looking toward Pulpit Rock the

waves were certainly crashing in

but difficult to portray the 'full force' with just a tiny camera.

Looking east towards the Lighthouse and Bird Observatory it barely looked as though there was a storm at all, but

taking a closer look at Pulpit the waves were dashing the rocks

while the Spume gave the impression of a snow-storm.

My departure from the shelter of the Obelisk was the moment the flash rain shower arrived getting me a little damp, but sanctuary was quickly sort in the lee of the Lighthouse Pumping Station.

Lingering there to try a short 'sea watch' (for birds) I could not believe the approach of a small boat, regardless of its power, on such a day. I will proceed cautiously as they may have been there on some 'life or death' mission, but if not under such conditions their action could, at the very least, only be described as foolhardy.

Difficult to say, but they simply seemed to be 'joyriding' however given the construction of the vessel and the very expensive looking 'immersion suits' I formed the idea they were something to do with the Olympics, Security or some-such.

Either way, in my humble opinion, if it were not a life-saving venture then this was neither the day or place for such a craft.

Heading directly into both wind and sea and attaining such angles

could be catastrophic if that 'freak' gust should arrive,

not to mention travelling at high speed

then crashing back to the surface. The 'thud' generated by this plunge could be heard loud and clear from where I was stood maybe a mile away and what followed sounded like engines stalling and a period of foundering.

Underway again they soon reached Bill Point, and the full force of the weather,

which seemed to deter them from continuing that course, forcing them back on a reciprocal. If ever there was a possibility of 'broaching' this manoeuvre was it, and while I don't know who these people are, my intent is to find out. If indeed this craft is funded by the tax payer or Public Purse then a few questions need to be asked, if it is not then NO WORRY! - except of course for those such as the Royal National Lifeboat Institute or Air Sea Rescue who would risk their lives to pick up the pieces!

A coffee at the Observatory changed the picture a bit and while doing so Martin (The Warden) picked up a passing Great Skua in his telescope which was quite close to land giving me a reasonable view. In addition there were a few Guillemot & Razorbill and even more Gannets, while on the way back to the bus

these 2 Ravens flew into one of the horse paddocks

and started feeding. With the wind now behind me, I fair flew up Bill Hill but it seemed like

this Kestrel, atop a telegraph pole in Southwell,

had to keep a 'low profile' just to cling on.

While I am about the nearest thing you could find to perfect 'Bah Humbug' at this Festive Season, I do like to see the odd illuminated Christmas Tree like this one in the village. Unfortunately, once again the camera doesn't quite show the full effect of the fairy lights.

Managing to secure 'poll position' on the upper deck of the bus home has many advantages, and by pure coincidence, "who's that up ahead, having just walked out of the National Sailing Academy"?

The 2 Herbert's from the speed boat off the Bill if I'm not mistaken,

looking very much pleased with themselves. Mistaken? No, by magnifying the picture its quite clear this is who they are. I'll keep you posted!

In addition you can view the progress being made on the new extension of the

Fleet & Chesil Beach Visitor's Centre, the cement foundations already look as though they are in place and set hard.

Comfortably Numb - Pink Floyd

When I was a child I caught a fleeting glimpse,
out of the corner of my eye.
I turned to look but it was gone, I cannot put my finger on it now.
The child has grown, the dream has gone.
For I have become Comfortably Numb!

Double intent today as I set off against a stiff nor' westerly wind, partly cloudy sky with mildish conditions continuing. There was little, or nothing, to report from the cemetery and almost as much at Radipole. There were perhaps a couple of hundred Gull, always worth surveying for that possible 'stranger', but that was not to be today!

The humble Moorhen is always worth a second look, especially when they are clear of the water showing legs, bill and shield sharply contrasting with plumage.

Among the birds on the car park was this 'ringed' 1st winter Mediterranean Gull

while down by the Westham Bridge this strange looking, but not displeasing, Duck continues to feed along with other resident birds including,

("yes, here I am again") the male Hooded Merganser.

But it was now time to set off on my mission, first catching the bus to Foords Corner followed by a mile and a half walk to where I hoped to see the Richard's Pipit that has been around for 3 days now. Walking past the Bridging Camp, the Army were busily dismantling what I suppose they still call a 'Bailey Bridge', a prefabricated structure that can be quickly assembled to allow military vehicles & personnel to cross (usually) rivers. Last seen in the second field west of the camp, I started my search at the highest point allowing best scanning advantage, but could only see a few Meadow Pipits plus

a pair of Stonechat bushwhacking insects from a barbed wire perch. Walking the west side of the field and almost reaching the bottom, 2 other birders arrived but remained some distance away - 6 eyes are certainly better that one and a half, at least that's the theory! Reaching the lower kissing gate 5 Pipits flew up from the field, including one larger bird, alighting in the adjoining field, this was it. Leaning on the gate to get a better look and photograph, they took to the wing again and disappeared as did the birders above me who seemed to have been 'scoping it. After about an hour searching both fields I gave up and headed for part 2 of the day plan.

The Hume's Leaf Warbler confirmed its presence by 'call' as I reached Littlesea, as did the afore mentioned birders, who also 'thought' they had seen the Pipit but my direction now was to get better pictures of the Warbler.

Positioning myself within the bushes, which was fortunately out of the now increasing wind, it was another hour before the 2 shots above were secured followed by another long wait.

As with the last 2 visits it seemed the bird was doing a circuit, which these type of Warblers often do, sometimes wandering off 200 yards or so to the east.

However, the wait was punctuated by the arrival of a pair of Bullfinch the female of which allowed a distant shot.

45 minutes later there were more 'calls' with the bird showing, always amid the tangle of Bramble, Ivy and Sallow, but at least there were a few more slightly better images to be had.

All of this time, having had so many 'fleeting glimpses', the Floyd lyric was swirling around in my head, except I had made my own amendment to the title!

UN'comfortably Numb

On my way home through the Holiday Camp this Carrion Crow, glistening in the sunshine, looked worthy of a shot but it was now back to the mundane as I had 'back healed' the proposed shopping of yesterday to today.

and finally, an E-mail, complete with photographs, from long lost friend Richard Ashe on the subject of the Studland visit.

Hi Bagsy,

Long time no see and no speak; this is an old time compatriot from the dockyard days of yore ie Richard Ashe - great to be in touch with you again. Firstly, I must say that it’s always a great pleasure to read your blogs, something I do and look forward to every evening. And today I was fascinated to see that you had visited the church at Studland and, as you are an ex-military man, I must tell you about a most fascinating grave in the Studland church yard. A photo is attached and as you can see it's the grave of a William Lawrence. Lawrence was born in Briantspuddle in 1790 and was apprenticed for a peppercorn wage to a bastard of an employer. He soon made his escape and went to Dorchester where, as a young teenager who lied about his age, he joined the 40th Regiment of Foot. From there he served in numerous battles all over the world and remarkably, he survived them. The long list on his gravestone is a testament to the numerous battles he fought in. As you can see in the Peninsular Wars alone he won a silver medal and no less than 10 clasps, he was then severely wounded in subsequent battles after which he went on to fight at Waterloo. He married in Paris and after Waterloo retired to Studland where he ran the local pub until he died and was buried in the local church alongside his wife whose inscription is on the reverse of his headstone.

In his later years he dictated his autobiography which today is in book-form with the title ‘A Dorset Soldier’ by Sgt William Lawrence. A damn good read if you can get hold of it. Hope you find this interesting and that it can add a bit more zest to your visit to Studland’s church.

Best wishes

Richard

My 'salute' to Sgt William Lawrence

Church With One Bell - John Martyn

All good things come to an end, and in this case the end involves travel and logistics - in other words a bus ride back to Weymouth and an hour or so in the local Asda supermarket. However, in line with everything else in my life there is no rush so chance to get out for a few hours before returning home. Longham Lake and Poole Harbour were once again options, but with nothing more to offer than what was seen yesterday I returned to Studland to take a closer look at the village.

The Church of St Nicholas of Myra, Studland, Dorset

As with most villages the Church is the hub, but the one here is far from any ordinary ecclesiastical building even in its construction

which is of stout proportions and heavily buttressed, giving the impression of a fortification which was likely the architects intention? Of even more interest is a history stretching back 1,500 years or so when the idea was conceived, while the fabric and construction were not completed until a few years later.

A plaque, at the entrance to the Naive, tells the story better.

As with many graveyards throughout the land, the Yew Tree is prominent here.

Some fine examples of Norman, and earlier, architecture

with 'ropes' of unknown function seemingly leading to the tower.

One of 2Hatchments, a type of family Coat of Arms, often carried ahead of a funeral cortege, which undoubtedly represent the Bankes family.

A view from The Choir.

An interesting window, seemingly designed for a much larger pane but now reduced to little more than a squint. Anything to do with the 'window tax' of 1696?

The North Elevation.

Quite close by is Studland Manor Farm with its fine row of cottages and

and Barn, neither anywhere near as old as the Church.

Old Harry Rocks

are viewable from the village, extending seaward from Handfast Point a promontory of Ballard Down with two theories as to the origin of the name. One legend says that the Devil (traditionally known euphemistically as "Old Harry") had a sleep on the rocks, while another favours the rocks being named after Harry Paye the infamous Poole Pirate, who stored his contraband nearby.

There was an outer 'stack' known as Old Harry's Wife but this fell to erosion in 1896 effectively 'widowing' Old Harry!

These 2 panorama shots taken from the hill at the Isle of Purbeck Golf Club don't really capture the quality of the view this vantage point commands, but gives some idea of the natural beauty we enjoy here in sunny Dorset. From Bournemouth Bay in the east (right), across Poole Harbour entrance

and onward across Poole harbour to Arne and Wareham Heaths.

I don't remember ever publishing any 'underwater' photographs on the Blog, so having received these stunning shots from my friend Andy Lindsay in Derbyshire considered them well worth sharing. Taken by his lady-friend Dawn, something of an accomplished diver I am told, on a 'dip' at the National Diving Centre, Stoney Cove, Leicestershire they are not only of a magnificent fish, but also have a lot of 'feel' about them.

Northern Pike (Esox lucius)