The weather has broken. Cloudy, light rain showers and chilly at about 10°c lower at its peak than the last 10 days. On goes the wood burner this evening, then. Ironic, really, now that sine June 1st we're legally able to meet a second household as long as we're outside. Doubly ironic, really, given that to date throughout lockdown we haven't been able (legally) to associate. If you didn't manage this on Monday or yesterday, you'll now need an umbrella, coat and hot water bottle.
Yesterday was the first time that children of school age were out with others of their own age... in one case from a second household, in another representing four. It's amazing that during lockdown that children have been so compliant. On the other hand, older youths and twenty-somethings are now gathering (weather permitting) in secreted areas, such as by the Llanfwrog allotments or covered by the beech trees in Prior Street.
There's been pressure on Meol Famau and Loggerheads, with staff there at breaking point trying to turn people away. The police has been helpful but it's telling that from Monday they've been concentrating instead on gatherings and incidents. 10 days of poorer weather gives all concerned a bit of a break.
After a damp winter and especially wet February, this seemingly has been the sunniest spring since records began in 1929. I say "seemingly" because it was actually very apparently. We had more sun than we might expect in a decent summer. No less than 626 hours of bright sunshine recorded.
It was also the second driest month of May in Wales, with barely just over ½″ or just 17 per cent of the average rainfall for May.
All this has helped ease us through lockdown but it has taken its tool. Grass is browning unseasonably early. Farmers and gardeners complain. And, you can see the evidence in our watercourses, as these shots of the Clwyd at Pont Hokin and the tributary from near Efenechtyd that flows along and then under Mwrog Street demonstrate.
The Clwyd at Cae Ddol with a duck out of water
Yesterday was the first time that children of school age were out with others of their own age... in one case from a second household, in another representing four. It's amazing that during lockdown that children have been so compliant. On the other hand, older youths and twenty-somethings are now gathering (weather permitting) in secreted areas, such as by the Llanfwrog allotments or covered by the beech trees in Prior Street.
All this has helped ease us through lockdown but it has taken its tool. Grass is browning unseasonably early. Farmers and gardeners complain. And, you can see the evidence in our watercourses, as these shots of the Clwyd at Pont Hokin and the tributary from near Efenechtyd that flows along and then under Mwrog Street demonstrate.