On Sunday a cool westerly blew in from the Atlantic, bringing long-awaited light showers, washing the smoke from the sky and the ash from the leaves and making the colours bright again. I can't remember when it last rained, but statistics reveal that we shouldn't expect more than 4mm in the months of January and February and the only reason we are eyeing the sky so anxiously is for relief from the searing heat, succour for the scorched earth and refills for our dams which are suffering from an excess of consumption. Last winter went by almost unnoticed, rainwise, and we are down to about 53% capacity now. Gardens will have to survive as only nature knows how, and no doubt the cycle of life will continue without regard to man's attempts to control or explain it.
Today the sea has a gentle swell, unbroken by wind-whipped white horses, and the sun is showering sparkling diamonds across its surface. Ships pass by on the horizon, with smaller fishing boats plying to and fro in shallower water. Bodyboarders are taking advantage of crystal clear, three-foot breakers off the rocks at the lighthouse, a window of opportunity before the big boys arrive at high tide, perhaps.
Puffy clouds and cool air are keeping us comfortable for now. More heat is due to arrive soon, but there is a stargazing event early in February, so expect more clouds!
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