MID FEBRUARY: I'm afraid the rain is bucketing down and it's blowing a gale up here on Mudgley Hill. So rather than trim the bay tree, I am updating the website; yesterday the weather was completely different. Glorious sunshine and in the evening the clearest sky imaginable. We went to the Westhay Nature Reserve to watch the sunset amongst the reeds and practise with my new camera, and were lucky enough to hear a bittern booming. It seems early in the year - other walkers also commented on it - and really is an amazing sound. Worth a visit if you haven't heard it. The night was full of stars and a newish moon, followed by early morning frost and sunshine - and then all hell broke loose (see above)!!