The wind is howling outside as I write, tearing down the valley towards the sea and throwing rain against the sides of the house. It’s been a relatively mild autumn, no real storms so far, but the past couple of days have hinted at a definite change in season. On a drive down the Sterridge Valley this afternoon, the trees looked magnificent, still with many leaves. No doubt, the wind will soon blow these away.
In the garden, some plants are still flowering from summer and autumn.

Hydrangea in Ilfracombe flowering in November
Hydrangeas and fuchsias are still flowering . . .

Fuchsias flowering in Ilfracombe in November
These are quite sheltered so are protected from the winds . . .

Devon Dumpling fuchsias flowering in November in Ilfracombe
Look at these vibrant berries . . . I don’t know what the shrub is . . .

Autumn berries
And the heather is just starting to come into flower . . .

Heather coming into flower in November in Ilfracombe
We don’t seem to have had a summer this year, but there’s still much to enjoy throughout the other seasons.
As we turn back the clocks for winter, in Ilfracombe many of the boats have been lifted out of the harbour on to the quay and harbour car parks to protect them from the ferocity of the stormy weather until next spring.

Boats lifted out of the harbour on to Ilfracombe quay
It’s also a sign that most of the holiday-makers have gone and the town is back in the hands of residents, who can enjoy its beauty in the winter months.
It’s not all peace and quiet though, as it’s the only time that many of those in the tourism industry have to enjoy themselves after spending the summer season working all hours of the day.

Ilfracombe quay in October 2008
It’s a wonderful time to enjoy the town and countryside, even when the sea and sky are grey, it’s raining and the wind is howling. Certainly beats the M25.