The British summer is conjured up and nailed down by this image of windblown deckchairs on the promenade at Sidmouth in Devon and, beyond, the grey, choppy waters of the English Channel.A struggling shaft of shrivelled sunlight, stealing, stuttering from behind a cloud, strives to set the candy stripes upon a path of strength and glory.
And then it's gone. Gloom returns. The huddled pensioners seek out the shops, the trinkets, knick-knacks, souvenirs of a day spent hiding from the spitting showers.
Or sip and slurp eternal cups of tea, slaking a thirst that suffuses their souls.
9 comments:
Did you know that the NW part of Washington State, USA has weather almost exactly like yours? I'm fairly certain we can grow the same things (and carry the same kind of umbrellas)
Saw your Penn Jillet quote and it reminded me of the one on my wall at work "I like all kinds of people with blue hair."
Ah, Summer: the 'S' word.
Sounds rather like the New England summer we've been experiencing (with the exception of the last two days where the temperature has climbed into the 90s and afternoon thunderstorms send us scurrying for cover and candles).
I've always fancied visiting Washington State, Lillie - are you trying you put me off?
Actually, Pauline, it hasn't been that bad a summer up until now and Devon is a notoriously fickle area of Britain for weather. I was engaging in a touch of hyperbole.
Perhaps it's because the wind's coming off the sea, Toby, or the antics of those on the prom are more interesting - you've seen one seagull, you've seen them all.
Sounds like a beautiful sort of summer. I'd like some of that right about now. It's 95 farenheit and it feels like it's about 110 because it's so humid, you sweat the second you step outside!
I love it though...
I need one of those "windblown" deckchairs... and a beach to put them on. :-)
Josephine, I'm not sure I'm a typical Brit because I love the English summer with its wide variation in temperature and unpredictability.
You always pack both a short sleeve shirt and a polar fleece for any outing.
Susan - might be able to send you the deckchair but not sure about the beach. I live in the centre of England but at least I can reach a seaside beach of sorts in about 90 minutes, traffic permitting. I guess you may have farther to go.
I wouldn't spend much time sat on it, though, I'm far too restless.
Lillie: would that be the Simpson family?
Toby: they also reserve rear-facing train seats.
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