Saturday, May 24, 2008

contrasts

In Port Elizabeth, we don't experience the clearly defined seasonal changes that occur in higher latitudes. There is a marked difference in the length of daylight between summer and winter, here at 34 degrees South, compared to the fairly even days I experienced growing up in the tropics (in Harare, Zimbabwe.) But we don't get wonderful Autumn displays, because it is too warm, we never get snow, and it is warm enough throughout winter that many plants continue to blossom, so spring does not arrive with the same drama as it does in colder climates.

However, that is not to say that there is a boring sameness about our weather. It is just not necessarily seasonal. It is a well worn old saying that in PE, you can get 4 seasons in one day.

As an example, let me share with you some pictures of sunrise two days ago, and sunrise this morning.


This was how it looked from our dining room window on Wednesday.
And here was the not too successful attempt at the sun showing its face this morning!
As you must know by now if you have been around this blog for any length of time, I adore this old church that is just down the road from us, and it features in many of my photos.

The bright patch you can see in the bottom right hand corner is a glimpse of the bay, with the dunes on the opposite side.

A few leaves are still clinging tenaciously to the plane trees in the park across the road from us, but winter is on its way!

8 comments:

dot said...

Sounds like really interesting weather. I think the saying "if you don't like the weather here just wait a minute" might apply to your area also!
Beautiful pictures as always!

SandyCarlson said...

The range of moods and color
in these photos is spectacular. I have tried to capture such images when it is foggy but have not come close to such results! These are gorgeous.

I like the silhouette of the church against those dramatic skies. Even in silhouette, the shape and size suggest strength and comfort--and mystery.

God bless.

Andrea said...

Wow, that is some thick fog. Love that orangish yellowish looking sky. Great captures.

Anonymous said...

I join you in loving this church, and the mist too.

Dick said...

The fog makes it mysterious, I think I have to try it out too.
Beautiful photos.

Tom said...

A joy to look out your own place and see such a sky.. the Church looks as a church should bathed in mist or fog.

Carver said...

Those are all great shots. I love fog and I also love the vivid colors of sunsets so this was double the pleasure for me.

Suzi-k said...

dot, LOL, I must remember that one!
The fog didn't last long, and was replaced by a wonderful sunny day, so your "wait a minute" would have been very apt!