Summer Storm

The lure of bee orchids and the need for the fresh air of the coast saw me heading to a new location for me; Farlington Marshes Nature Reserve near Portsmouth, and part of the Langstone Harbour coastal area. 

The marsh is on reclaimed land jutting into the Solent and there is a path around the outer sea wall giving wonderful views over the Solent and Langstone Harbour and inland across the marshes, which attract migratory and breeding birds, and also feature the aforementioned orchids.  I walked round the wall in warm Summer sunshine and fluffy white clouds, but about 2/3rds round looked across toward Portsmouth to see ominous black clouds. A few minutes later, they passed over me dropping their contents are they went;  a small bush was my only shelter!  Fortunately the walking boots and waterproof jacket I wore did their job ... but my bottom half was drenched. It passed after 10mins or so, and I continued my walk, again in bright sunshine and I even began to dry out. Another cloud burst shortly before I completed the circuit ended my day, but it had been enjoyable never-the-less and I will be back.

Oh, I never did find the orchids, apparently they are most populous in the northern field area which I didn't cover it being rather late in the day and I was feeing rather damp in the nether regions!