As at this morning Stornoway has had just 6.4 hours of sunshine this December. It will be the dullest December on record if there isn't more than 4.2 hours today. As at this moment I have not seen any sign of the sun today and sunset is at 1543 which is in three hours time as I type. So it is already a fait accompli and will definitely be the dullest on record.
Without a word of a lie as I finished typing that, and bearing in mind it had been pouring with rain 10 minutes ago, the sun appeared just long enough for these photos
For those of you wondering why there are so many vehicles parked there and no sign of people then I can only offer a couple of suggestions, Firstly one or two might be in the mobile sauna (the white van) and as I type there is also someone swimming in the bay who might be having their cold post-sauna dip. Or perhaps people also have pre-sauna swims. That's all way beyond my knowledge.
Shortly after I wrote the above I evidence emerged of the hardiness of some of the people on Lewis as they leave the sea:
That's a lovely photo of the sun on the bay but brrr... those hardy swimmers!!
ReplyDeleteThanks, JayCee, outside my house the temperature was 4ºC so I'd rather them than me!
DeleteThe light in your second photograph makes it look quite warm, but I take your word for it - it is cold.
ReplyDeleteSeeing those hardy souls in the water makes me shiver.
Me too, Janice.
DeleteGreat photographs. It's been pouring with rain all day here. And blowing a hooley to boot. X
ReplyDeleteJules, it's been raining here most of the day too but the wind has been quite moderate by our standards BUT far worse is predicted. Odd because my gut feeling is that on this occasion the pundits may have it not quite right.
DeleteWe call that a polar plunge here when people dive in for the New Year! Wishing you a happy 2025, Graham, filled with good health, peace, and joy!
ReplyDeleteThank you. Ellen, and a very good 2025 to you too.
DeleteGood to see you posting Graham. I wish you a happy Old Year's Night and a Happy New Year for 2025. I enjoyed your blog all year and today's photograhs are fun with the people and not just scenery of beach and sea. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteRachel, I'm going to make a real effort to comment more (I read far more than I comment at the moment) and to get back into Blogland properly. It's been an exceptionally busy year at a time of life when it should be slowing down.
DeleteDefinitely hardy!!
ReplyDeleteHere's to a better year for us all
Absolutely, Gwynneth, let us hope.
DeleteOh my, how could they get into that water? Surely they are liquored up? LOL! Hey, I would suggest that everyone on your island wear bright yellow in December (maybe January too) and create your own sunshine. If you all stood together holding hands, perhaps the sun would take a hint. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteKay, I'm sure those ladies are very far from 'liquored up'🤣, they are part of the fitness brigade.
DeleteA sauna van! They are very brave swimmers. Happy 2025.
ReplyDeleteAndrew, it surprised me but it's very popular indeed.
DeleteYou've had some very dull weather. I'm surprised that it's green with no snow. Have a great 2025.
ReplyDeleteRed, the Islands are not particularly cold in terms of sub-zero temperatures and snow is quite rare.
DeleteNew Year's Day is a big day for suicidal swimming here in Brighton. Hundreds of them all make the plunge. They must all be bonkers. Windy here this morning.
ReplyDeleteCro, I think bonkers is the perfect description.
DeleteBrrr!!! I shiver even just looking at the photo.
ReplyDeleteIn spite of it having been the dullest December on record weather-wise, it certainly has not been dull for you, Graham. You have been so busy with all sorts of things, health-related and otherwise.
Here's wishing you a happy, healthy 2025.
Thank you, Meike. A happy and healthy year to you too. I have had one of the busiest Decembers that I can remember. Of course it may just been that my memory isn't very good these days! 🤣
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