Originally posted by dsmithhfx Oh right, you've been having some fearsome weather.
It hasn't been too bad (not compared to what other parts of the world have been experiencing). I think the issue was this... The windmill's top section is normally free to rotate, using a device that catches the wind, ensuring that the sails always face into it. However, on this occasion, the wind was strong and violently changed direction more quickly than the windmill could turn around - the result being that the mechanism within the structure was thrown into reverse - which caused damage. The group maintaining the windmill do an excellent job and are working hard to get the damage repaired.
However, this did represent a night photography opportunity! Usually, the windmill's tendency to turn itself to face into the wind would mean that it would never be in a static position (even if the sails were not rotating) - making a star trail image a mess... But, while the repairs are done, the windmill is in a fixed position.