But tinkering with the weather?!?
When we arrived at Rathlin Island, off the North East coast of Ulster, it was tee-shirt weather.
We had brought coats only because of the ferry trip.
The RSPB reserve, with its spectacle of cliff-nesting birds, was 4.5 miles from the Rathlin ferry port but it was so sunny we eschewed the bus and walked through the peaceful green fields of the island.
Nearing the reserve we stood in the warmth at the top of the cliffs to admire the spectacle. Great skuas patrolled and a pair of peregrines were sky dancing. This was going to be great.
At the ticket desk, the custodian warned us of the long descent to the viewing platform.
She also said we could claim back our entrance fee if we joined the RSPB today, but we shook our heads. We weren't considering spending so much money today.
At the viewing platform however, it was suddenly like midwinter. A sort of wind tunnel was formed by the coast just there. We put on jumpers and coats, zipped them right up to our noses and pulled the toggles tight.
Despite the icy gale I could not drag myself away from the sight of so many guillemots, puffins, razorbills, kittiwakes and fulmars nesting on the rock stack just in front of us. Nigel, however, retreated into the RSPB cabin.
By the time I was ready to leave, he had been persuaded to take out membership of the RSPB.
Then we returned to the top of the cliffs. Warm sunshine once more.
Is it possible the RSPB somehow has control of the micro climate there in order to induce hypothermic punters to part with their cash?
I wouldn't put it past them.
