I can see clearly now the rain has gone.

That is how the song went, and I guess I never got that this is actually true; the air does get clearer after rain. This week it has rained, not Biblical amounts, but enough to turn our lawn back to green. We had whole days of rain, it was great at work looking at the tabbers huddling under the shelter trying to light a ciggy.

Anyway, today the skies cleared and the sun shone from a dazzling blue sky. Just sitting in the canteen looking out of the windows was a pleasure; but once the bell went, we got in the car and once driving though the town, headed up the hill to the castle. We turn down the coast road, past Bleriot's landing spot, over the A2 as it heads down Jubilee Way; up the twisty road, past National Trust's White Cliff park, round two more tight bends, up past the new coastguard station. And then, on the left hand side, the land falls away and there is the Channel.

Sometimes.

Like yesterday, it was misty, drizzley, and the only water we could see was on the windscreen. But today, after the anticipation of the clear air and dazzling blue sky, we could see over to France. And indeed it was clear; we could see contours in the cliffs at Cap Gris Nez. The ferries could be seen all the way across and container ships and tankers seemed almost toy-like. Even though that view lasted only a few seconds, it lifts the heart and spirit, and the strain of the day falls away.