August/September

The big news through August was the weather.  Never, have I seen so many dismal, dull days with the valley smothered in gloom and an oppressive, muggy atmosphere.

As the prevailing south–westerlies push cloud in from the Atlantic it swoops over the beaches and cliffs, drops into the valley and then often struggles to climb up the mountain.  Wisps of cloud fall backwards down the clefts in the hill.  The result is that we often miss the rain which is precipitated a little farther inland and the valley is left in cloud or sea mist, sometimes all day long.

This, combined with damp and high temperatures, means that paradise has taken a rest for a week or two.  Even the corn has been abandoned, overripe and soggy right up to the last days of the month.  Blight has struck down the last of my tomatoes and potatoes

Worse still has been the horrendous invasion of traffic meaning that any trip outside the valley is prolonged by the queues of cars and caravans standing still on the roads all around.  Journeys that wouild usually take 10 or 15 minutes are stretched to an hour plus.  Perhaps, in fact, paradise is still here in the valley.  Certainly by comparison we are all so very fortunate to live here and sometimes too ready to moan or complain.

With the turning of the month the grockles are gone and glorious, fresh sunshine returns.  There is a sense of excitement and life again.  The rooks are whirling and weaving in the breeze.  The buzzards are on constant patrol, swooping, gliding, seeking those elusive baby bunnies and other delicious prey.  Every day we are out in the valley: Carla, Capone and me – the intrepid three.  There are adventures to be had in every corner, across every field.  As we pass the anniversary of our arrival in Paradise Valley I can reflect on the very warm welcome the dogs and I have received here.  It is a privilege to live in the gentle community of Sutton Poyntz.

It is a privilege to know the valley as intimately as we now do.  Endless meandering through every field, along every hedgerow, up and down the hills and dales makes every nook and cranny familiar.  The great delight is how the seasons and weather change the views and environment.  A vast palette of colours is used.  There are different wind strengths and directions; dramatic lighting and cloud formations; a variety of wildlife, wild fauna and flora, often producing amazing, emotional experiences.  Only by familiarity, experience and repeated visits can one truly appreciate the beauty of the valley.

I can enjoy walking in blustery rain and wind, often more than in stillness and sunshine.  Only very occasionally is there weather that really cannot be enjoyed.  We are moving towards a more exciting season.  There is a developing chill in the evening air.  The sun is still strong but the trees are beginning to redden.  Outside my window the white horse bathes in the evening sun and closer to me two collared doves flutter into the branches of a dead tree.  Behind them is a magnificent horse chestnut and yes, there are definitely colours of autumn there.  The change is upon us.