Wind and sand aplenty

Hengistbury Head, a beautiful, nature filled headland just outside of Bournemouth, is a hive of activity most weekends, and this last one was no different. Despite the wintry temperatures and the southerly gale, children and dogs ran amock, gleefully jumping in muddy puddles, and paddling in the estuary.

Home to more than 300 privately owned beach huts, I am told that they are some of the UK’s most expensive, selling for more than I would consider paying for an inner-city apartment. As well as high-prices beach huts, the Head also is home to a large number of rare flora and fauna, which are well documented by the Hengistbury Head Visitor Centre (https://www.visithengistburyhead.co.uk).

This was my first time exploring the area, and was lucky enough to choose the only day of the week when it did not rain. We were however blown sideways by the wind, and got ourselves stuck in some muddy holes, but none the less had a lovely gander around the sand dunes and the estuary.

I have realised that I am woefully unprepared for outdoor excursions in the UK, and watched wistfully as families decked out in wellies and raincoats passed by, as I drudged through the mud in white running shoes, while the wind cut through my beloved hoodie, leaving me with prickly damp skin that only a hot bath could cure. it’s not that I mind the cold, its just that I continuously forget to put on more layers. I like to contribute this to the fact that my house is toasty warm and the double glazing keeps out the sound of the wind, giving me a misguided view of the weather outside.

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I will undoubtedly continue to explore with or without adequate clothing, as is the way. One day I will remember to always carry a raincoat, but for now I can only hope.