4:00am : My day started disappointingly dull and with a hint of rain in the air. But that's not unusual for an early June day in southern England. The weather forecasters' prediction of an unsettled day of showers and clearer spells looked depressingly accurate.
4.30am : My first objective was to capture the sunrise at the north-eastern boundary of the Parish at the aptly named Redcliffe on the River Frome. In the pale pre-dawn light, the only reflections in the river were those from the security lights of Redcliffe Yacht Club. Still no sign of a rising sun yet!
My only companions were two sleepy swans drifting gently in the current and a lone blackbird announcing the commencement of the dawn chorus. After a few minutes some rooks noisily flocked overhead, eventually heading upriver to feed. A lone heron wafted lazily over the surface of the river in search of an unwary fish and an early breakfast. A distant swish of tyres reminded me that humans were also on the move as a car sped along the causeway into Wareham. Man's presence is never far away even in such a remote and peaceful setting!
4.50am : At last a few reddish streaks appeared in the sky to the north-east. But these were too far to the south to be seen clearly from Redcliffe. It was suddenly vital to relocate to higher ground on Stoborough Heath to witness any possibility of a rising sun. At least there was no traffic around to delay progress through Ridge! Along Soldiers Road on the Heath, dozens of surprised rabbits scuttled for safety into the verges and hedges. A startled deer similarly escaped but too quick for the camera!
4.55am : Arriving slightly breathless at the top of the hill on the Heath, there were hopeful signs of sunrise. As the minutes ticked by, a thin strip of clear sky magically developed through which the rising sun found a gap to create a beautiful sunrise. Only a brief moment but an amazing and very unexpected experience!
5.00am : The whole of the Heath was now visible, with Poole Harbour to the north-east and Corfe Castle to the south-east, barely discernible against the grey of the retreating night sky. A lone cuckoo called loud and clear in the still air. Not a sound of traffic anywhere to spoil the peace. Our Earth is a wonderful and beautiful planet!
The cairn on the top of the Heath reflects the rising sun and the Purbeck Hills bathe in the morning light to the south.