3.30 AM

Today's the day . . . . . . .. . . to see in the Solstice

This is the view from our summerhouse in the early hours of this morning, about an hour before the sun was scheduled to rise after the shortest night of the year.

I don't think, during the course of my entire life, I have ever been out of doors during the night of the Summer Solstice.  I was inspired by blipper greengirl (always a huge source of inspiration) to want to do it this time.  She, of course, is much more adventurous and often spends nights outside in her bivvi bag, becoming at one with the nature around her.  So, we were in the summerhouse - but it has glass panels on three sides and it felt like being outside!

We were there when the sun set in the sky at around 21.50 and woke up briefly at several times during the night, to keep an eye on things.  And, it's true that it never really gets properly dark here - there's always a slight glow in the night sky.  

It's a shame that it was too cloudy for a spectacular sunrise but it was good to think we would have seen it, if there had been one.  Perhaps we'll try again next year ..........................!