Sussex Scrapbook
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Nature walks throughout the year
Saturday 25th & Sunday 26th September 2010
Eastbourne - Alfriston - Jevington and all points in-between.
~ 26 miles
On Friday we had the
Harvest Moon, which is the closest full-moon to the
autumnal equinox. This year they both occurred on the same day which was a
nice turn of events after what had been a good night for sky watching. Jupiter
has been the closest it's been since 1963 and with our binoculars we were able
to spy the disc of this huge gas giant and up to four of its moons. Over the
past week we've seen Callisto, Io, Europa and Gannymede circling around and
disappearing behind this distant planet, which is a very humbling experience. If
you haven't seen it yet, then go out at about 10pm and look for the brightest
thing in the sky that isn't the moon.
It's nearly October already, the month when: campsites, tourist centres, holiday
places and other summer delights start to close down, so it was my last chance
to spend some time camping at Foxhole Farm while sampling the delights of this
national treasure of an area. There were still a few late swallows around but
there were large amounts of House Martins everywhere: they must be getting ready
to leave these shores too. The Ravens seem to be doing very well now and there
was at least one in earshot nearly the whole time (unless of course I was being
constantly circled by the same bird). Peregrines and Kestrels were dotted all
along the route and there were Chiffchaffs in the bushes getting ready to leave
as well (and possibly hiding from the Peregrines).
Two days' hiking doesn't need much planning or packing for, but I made certain to
take plenty of cold weather clothing. This was mostly for wearing while I was sleeping
but was also very welcome during the three hours I sat still in a chosen
spot waiting for some wildlife to appear. In truth, not a lot did appear except
for a troop of foxes out hunting but the views around the Cuckmere area during
golden hour and sunset were mesmerising and almost made me forget about my
aching bum!
At the S bend on the Beachy Head road I
was in the right place at the right time.
No I didn't nibble that!
This may be gone in a few years when the sea breaks its way back in. Personally
I think it will still be good.
Different for sure, but good.
Some plump, ripe grapes hanging over a fence in Litlington.
As they're hanging in a public place, on a public thoroughfare, actually causing
an obstruction as it were, then they come under the same ancient
legal right as, 'finders keepers, losers weepers'.
The White Horse of Litlington. Not an ancient monument but cut in 1924 by 3 men
who did it overnight so as to startle the locals in the morning.
The great view of St Andrews and the
Clergy House from the river.
A nice bit of art nouveau is always enough to turn my head...
... and so is a great bit of downland.
This is up on Windover Hill.