At the solstice

This morning I became conscious that the northern summer solstice was today at 1107 UK time. My understanding is that the astronomical solstice is a particular instant in time. The solstice therefore is at the same moment everywhere in the world.

I took this photo at that moment (more or less) from the balcony of S’ cousin’s apartment in London.

In the foreground is a landing stage connected to the Thames north bank by a sort of gantry. Tied to the landing stage are a number of boats, the owners of which pay rent to The Dove, a pub where we all ate last evening. They are then able to use their boat as a residence.

The owner of the narrow boat on the shore side has established a garden on the landing barge. To prevent birds from bothering her efforts, she has set up a kite, designed to look like bird of prey. It can be seen apparently behind the boats but in reality above them. The kite does keep real birds away