Solstice sunset again

The sun didn't really show itself today, in Peterborough so no chance of a solstice sunrise. But after a hectic day finishing the draft version of our report and visiting Pete's Mum to make final arrangements for Boxing Day, I made a mad dash to the Rowing Lake to catch the solstice sunset, and get a bit of exercise. 

I rather like this low point of the year, and it's a wonderful feeling that now the days will start to lengthen, imperceptibly at first, but then speeding up as we approach the spring equinox. Already there are signs of spring - robins sing throughout the winter, but in the last week I've also heard great tits and song thrushes in voice, all beginning to establish their territories for next year's breeding season.

Tonight I took Chris and Lizzy to the station, on the first leg of their journey to the Gambia, where they'll be spending Christmas and the New Year. It felt really odd to be saying goodbye to them at this time of year, but I'm sure they'll have an amazing time.