Once again this weekend has reminded me how much I love the ocean. On Friday I struggled to keep up with my indoor water features, as did most of us who live directly on the coast. The price that we pay for amazing views is the lack of any obstruction to certain winds. When the wind hits us it has raced unchecked across the ocean there is nothing to slow or calm it and we catch it head on. In my case this results in rain being driven so hard that it overwhelms the drainage in my UPVC windows and uses it as access. It also overwhelms the mortar joints above the lintels and finds its way through the wall resulting in weeping walls that would make a catholic proud. On Friday evening, as I was serenaded to sleep by dripping water, I was seriously concerned that I would run out of absorption and capture methods.
Awaking on Saturday, and even more so today, I was greeted by dazzling crystal calm waters. As I write this there are people swimming in the ocean outside and dozens of people walking along the promenade in stunning sunshine. Would I pass up the view for a dry home? Hell no! Like an over empowered child the ocean tantrums and throws its rage at us with devastating effect but the next day that is all forgotten and were friends again. You just can’t hold a grudge against something so beautiful. Even on an island there are only small number of us who live at the coast and an even smaller number that are ocean facing but I don’t know of one that would swap. Those that move away will always tell you how they miss the wonder of an ocean lullaby.
I have kept a watchful eye on my beloved island and am pleased to report that it is still there. Images of Chinook helicopters ferrying in all terrain vehicles were a little disconcerting at first but a quick check confirmed that the cross solent ferries were still running. Whilst it seems rather incongruous to see vehicles flying overhead when cars are driving onto ferries it is a tribute to a service that has faltered less than the mainland railway routes in this poor weather. As always its fantastic to see the small communities on the island pulling together, can’t wait to be part of it.
Gav Young 