The last day of September...

Overnight heavy rain made way to early morning light for
this image of Boscombe pier. There is evidence of the
beginning of the re-development of the area, with the removal
of beach huts in front of Honeycomb chine, and the car park
is now out of commission. Talking to surfers, the opinion is that
the surf reef will be started next year, but as yet there is no
sign of work on the pier.

© 2006

Morning rush hour...

Today I decided on a change of pace and visited Christchurch
harbour, Dorset. Apart from the ducks, the place was deserted,
and the early morning mist muffled any distant sounds of modern
life. As soon as the sun was above the horizon the mist began to
burn off.
The image was made at the same time as Monday morning rush
hour was in progress. I know where I'd rather be.

In memorial:
Today is the 26th anniversary of the death of Led Zeppelin's
drummer John Bonham.

© 2006

Surf's down...

At the time of writing, local beach staff are unable to confirm
a date for the start of the renovation of Boscombe pier and
surrounding area, although speculation is that it will be late
starting, and will cost twice the original estimate (so what's new?).
The image shows the pier today, viewed from the west during late
afternoon, on a falling tide.

© 2006

Early morning stroll...

At least I don't have to get out of bed in the middle of the night
at this time of year to get the dawn light. The image was made
at around 7:00am today, from Boscombe beach, Dorset. I got
just 10 minutes of light before the sun was obscured by clouds.
I asked beach staff about the re-development of the area, and
if it was running to schedule, but they didn't seem to know one way
or the other. Watch this space.

In memorial:
Today is the 36th anniversary of the death of Jimi Hendrix.

© 2006

Low tide at Poole harbour...

Today, there were particularly low tides along the south coast of
Dorset, the lowest being -0.1 at Mupe bay. Unfortunately, this
occured during the middle of the night and was therefore not
an ideal photographic subject. However, Poole harbour had its
low tide at around 6am, and with sunrise at around 6:35am, I
decided to target that location.
The image was shot at 7:08am facing west. In the
background is Branksea Castle, located on Brownsea island.
The island is where Baden Powell set up the first Scouting
encampment in 1907.

© 2006

Beach comber...

Early morning on Boscombe sea front, and the tractor is out raking
the beach in preparation for today's Lifeguard competition.
This scene won't be visible much longer, as the pier head is to
be demolished as part of a renovation project for the area, which is
due to start in the next month or so. The pier enterance, which dates
from 1958-60 will survive as it is now a Grade 2 listed building.
Also included in the project will be an artificial surf reef, reputed
to be the largest in Europe.

This blog will be used to visually document the re-development.

© 2006

 

Just around the corner...

The holiday season is all but over, and the kids are back to school...
autumn is just around the corner. Apart from the odd jogger and
dog walker, the beach and promenades on the coast of Dorset
are deserted during the early morning.
The image is of a promenade shelter on Boscombe beach, Dorset,
shot just after sunrise, with the pier in the background.

© 2006