Category: Sea

Retreat, Rest, Reflect

The time to retreat from all was upon me again.

And so it was with excitement that I relinquished my responsibilities to enjoy the freedom of time out.

Leaving at a lusciously leisurely 10.00am on Tuesday, I drove straight to a sea facing establishment that I had pre booked for lunch.

The place, the view, the staff and the food, did not disappoint.

No sooner had I made myself comfortable at the table with the sea stretching out ahead of me, when I noticed a rainbow seemingly rising up from the water.

I always love to be reminded of God’s promises to us.

After conceding defeat to the mash accompanying my winter warming bangers, I took a slow stroll along the sea front and in to the town.

A quick browse around the charity shop resulted in the reward of a white stuff dress for the grand sum of £2.50. Result!

Upon my return walk to the car, I saw yet another rainbow!

After checking out the towns offering, I headed for my sea facing caravan to get settled in before dark.

As promised, I could indeed see the sea from here.

How I relish the chance to indulge in sea staring and rest.

There was even enough light left in the day to check out the beach.

The next day following a relaxing lay in and breakfast, I decided to explore a few towns away along the coast.  Unfortunately, my hoped for walk had been rained off.

In this town amongst all the pretty gift shops I found a cosy pub serving some excellent homemade vegetable soup.  Proper.

I quickly realised that I wasn’t in the mood for shops or crowds though.  Not unusual for me.

When I looked up other sea facing places away from the masses, I discovered a cliff top cafe overlooking the sea.  A quiet one.  Much more my cup of tea.  And  of course cake.

Upon returning to my caravan, I opted for a lazy afternoon nap.  Something I haven’t found much time for in recent weeks!

When I did resurface, I got myself comfortable for a film night.  SO relaxing.

The next day arrived bringing yet more rain.  No walks for me.

Instead, I enjoyed breakfast and coffee on my sofa looking out to sea.

Here I reflected upon the year thus far.

I love having time to step back and survey the big picture.  Examine what has happened in the year to date and think and dream about the year to come.

After a few hours of commitment free time to do just this, I revised my game plan for the day and opted for a local garden centre where the food was highly recommended.

I’m a huge fan of a garden centre; all those beautiful living things as well as the enticement of the gift shops.  This one was top notch.

The cafe had interesting signs on the wall, blankets for those brave enough to sit outside (I wasn’t and only just managed to resist a blanket anyway) and a menu full of proper home cooked food.  No processed rubbish here.

I decided upon a sausage and bean casserole which was suitably filling and appropriate for the wet and windy day.

Next up was a little coffee shop attached to a Hotel.  In here I finished reading my newspaper over a pot of tea with the obligatory sea view.

Having had my fill in every sense, I returned to my accommodation where I packed up my stuff and drove home!

And I still have a few more days to reflect on all before resuming my full responsibilities.

Nice!

A glimpse of summer

What a treat this recent weather has been.

On the first day of my week off, I walked up to a local garden centre to meet a friend for what turned out to be THE most delicious green soup. Like ultra tasty. It was also accompanied by equally nourishing conversation, all enjoyed under God’s great sky.

After the refuel, we took a casual meander through the local woods where we ended up overlooking the blue lagoon.  The stunning blue backdrop of sky combined with the sun shimmering off the water was the only incentive needed to scramble down from where we were to where the water was.

As we drew closer, the wind dropped, the sun beamed and the invitation to enter the water was simply too appealing to decline.

Whilst I whipped off my boots and socks and paddled around in the cooling waters, my friend whipped off everything and I do mean EVERYthing and proceeded to go for the whole body immersion approach.  Yowsers!

‘Is it as cold as it looks?’, I enquired.

‘Yes, even more so’. He replied complete with a very manly roar and a proclamation that, ‘it’s good to be alive!’.

Agreed! 

Indeed it is. 

Especially on days like those spent amongst the majesty of God’s great playground.

In fact, as we lay on the shore surveying the scene of shimmering stars bouncing off the water, there was a distinctly summer holiday-esque feel to the moment.

Free from schedules, responsibility or time checks, how wonderful it was to simply stop, look, listen and savour it all.

Fan-blooming-tastik!

Following another day of freedom to roam the countryside at leisure, I spent the next day in London where we celebrated a friends’ 60th with a trip to the Freud museum followed by a delectable lunch. Yum.

After one more day of wild field roaming, it was time for my trip to the Isle of Wight with a friend.

What a truly stunning place.

A lazy if uncharacteristically hot first afternoon was spent at a Donkey Sanctuary.  Noisy buggers when they get going.

I was delighted to discover a gift shop and tearoom on site; two of my favourite places. Here I indulged in a super tasty cream tea.

After checking in to our accommodation we headed straight to the beach where the scenes we entered were fresh off a postcard.

An early start on Saturday morning enabled me to take a horse riding lesson on the beach under the glow of the morning sunshine. Just fabulous.

I opted for a leisurely meander back to base along the coast where I stumbled upon a quaint cafe and gift shop overlooking the harbour. I whiled away some time sipping my tea and savouring the view.

One of the things I love most about the water is the way it gets me to simply be still, to immerse myself in the sight of the sun upon the water. It never loses its appeal.

The next day saw us off to the National Trust site of the Needles where we took a chair lift to the beach and a boat ride to photograph the Needles. Although the rock after which they were named has long since been destroyed by a storm. So they don’t look anything like needles.

Back on the beach I tentatively stumbled across the stony beach to paddle in the sea which obviously saw me coming and produced an enormous wave which soaked my dress!! Fortunately, the whole ‘hottest Easter in 70 years’ thing meant it was quick to dry.

It was a wonderful weekend made even more so by the fact that it was Easter. Beyond the eggs and holidays, it is a time of such hope and renewal that in spite of all the trials and tragedies of life, we can still experience the fullness and richness of all life has to offer.  How grateful I am that Jesus endured what He did that we don’t have to settle for some half hearted life but can instead embrace and enjoy it all.

The gift of appreciation is totally priceless.

Monday saw us encounter a Roman villa, a small art exhibition, more tearooms, more food, more gift shops, a waterfall and a straight forward journey home.

How wonderful to make time to play, rest and explore.

The Seaside Soul Massage

As I had almost two clear, work free days this week, I decided to take another trip to the coast.

Leaving straight from work on Monday evening, I arrived at my B & B in time for a cup of tea on the balcony. Here I savoured the feel of the cool evening air on my skin and the sound of the waves in the distance.

My soul began to breathe easy again.

Tuesday dawned cloudy and rough looking. Perfect full cooked breakfast weather. Such an utter indulgence to have your breakfast served to you. Lush-tastik.

Following a post breakfast period of horizontality I coaxed myself out in to the day. After a leisurely walk along the coast, I took up residence in a sea facing pub to savour a hot pot of tea whilst devouring the newspaper. The arrival of the lunch time crowd signalled time for my departure.

The wind was pretty biting so when I discovered a sheltered area from which to enjoy the warmth of the sun, the sound of the sea and the feel of the sand, I engaged in one of my favourite pastimes; watching the clouds do their thing.

Unfortunately the pot of tea I’d just had dictated that I moved on before I wanted to. But a short distance on I was delighted to discover a lifeless looking sea front cafe was actually open. And there was no one in it other than the owner. Perfect! More tea was consumed along with the luxury of unhurried reading.

As I was now nearing 4pm my stomach was making demands for more fuel.

A short walk in to town allowed me to source some fresh cod and chips which I devoured in a beautiful flower filled park. The wind was rather reducing my pleasure of feasting though.

So, when I caught myself buying a bag of 3 hot donuts I decided to return to the shelter of my balcony back at the accommodation. From here I savoured the donuts (yes all three) washed down with yes, more tea.  Dee-licious.

I decided to take full advantage of the increase in daylight by taking another walk the other way up the coast. I was met with the most stunning of seaside sights. God never fails to leave me in awe of the beauty and wonder of His creation.

After this I returned to my balcony to sit and absorb the last of the evening sunshine.  Glorious.

When Wednesday morning’s alarm sounded what is becoming an increasingly irritating noise, I resisted the temptation to roll over for an extra hours slumber. Instead I dragged myself out for a pre-breakfast run. The training for the half marathon isn’t going to happen whilst I sit around inhaling chips and donuts.

My reward was the delight of discovering it was a beautiful, blue skied, sunshine shimmering off the sea kind of a morning. What a stunningly fantabulous scene to be met with.

Back at my B & B I had time for another breakfast and a spot of writing on the balcony before checking out.

As the sun was twinkling enticingly over everything I took another very windy walk along the coast.

After which I was relieved to stumble upon another seafront cafe where I could enjoy some respite from the wind and sip a warming mug of tea.

And then it really was time to return to the car for my homeward journey.

How I love time out to nourish my soul.

And I don’t have to wait long for a proper stretch of time off.

Sand, Sea-gazing and elasticated waists

Following a full on seven weeks of post NZ work, play and not enough rest and I found myself summoned by the sea again.

How could I refuse?

After an uneventful journey down, I was met by the sight of a decidedly dark and gloomy looking seafront.  Not to be deterred, I found myself a suitable sea gazing spot from which to fill my boots with a freshly served carvery. You can’t beat a roast that some other bugger has cooked and cleaned up after.

Feeling eager, I ventured out for a post lunch stroll along the beach.  It was enlivening!

I couldn’t resist using an abandoned stick to write a title in the sand for some teaching I’m preparing. Fun!

But it wasn’t long before the weight of my dinner along with the force of the wind saw me briskly succumbing to the call of my seafront B & B.

Inside, I got in to the perfect Sunday afternoon position; elasticated waist pj’s on, kettle on, TV on, phone off and snacks and newspapers at the ready.

As it was I got to spend the afternoon enjoying a young Sean Connery in ‘You only live Twice’, as well as having a view straight out to sea.

Divine!

A very leisurely, relaxing afternoon and evening followed.

The next morning the east coast sunshine burst through the curtains of my room. Of course, I started it with the obligatory full monty.

The sight of the sunshine shimmering across the sea was too much to resist.  I’m not sure where Freya was but I was pleased she wasn’t here.

I ambled down to the sand where I proceeded to slowly meander my way in to the distance, stopping only to take in the sight, sound and smell of the sea. Sense-sational.

How I love free time to be beside the sea.

I relished the luxury of sitting down to read a newspaper each day, with the added bonus of a sea view.

Simple treats.

I ate lovely food and I spent a lot of time staring out to sea and revelling in the freedom from all responsibilities.

As ever, it was over too quick.

But, the next trip is in sight!

A room with no view …

Here I am again.

Answering the call of the coast. I’ve lasted almost two months but it was time to return to the sea. A trip to break up the post summer, pre Christmas stretch.

I’ve got in to the habit of returning to the same places throughout this year that I discovered throughout last year. I couldn’t quite muster the required energy to explore new territory before now.

But this time, I decided to go for it. Explore a new place.

Leaving at 6am on Sunday morning, I enjoyed a straight forward and quiet journey down. Apart from the worrying light on my dashboard that looked suspiciously like there was a problem with a tyre. Damn. Drove extra cautiously as a result, promising myself that I’d address it once there. Not ideal I know!

Anyway, I opted to check out another coastal resort en route to my destination. As I was greeted by a vast expanse of beach stretching on for miles, I took myself for what could only be described as a bracing walk!

Spotted some guys doing what I imagine may be called kite surfing. It looked exhilarating if totally freezing.

Happened upon a little beach front café with a comfy sofa facing the sea. Perfect for a top up of hot tea.

Walked back rather briskly in order to beat the time on the car park ticket. How I hate paying for parking! It wasn’t straight forward either. The sign next to the metre gave a number to call and a code to quote to arrange the parking fee. Yet when I called it, they didn’t recognise the code. Not even when I attempted it another two times. Aaargh! And then when I did arrive back at the car park, I couldn’t find my car! A few moments of panic later and I managed to locate it exactly where I left it, on the floor directly where I had been looking. Saved myself a potentially very embarrassing phone call to the local authority. Phew!

Arrived at my sea facing accommodation to the sight of a car parking space directly outside. Relieved.

Checked in to the Hotel and immediately checked out my room. Old fashioned, dark wood furniture, autumnally coloured window drapes and a surprisingly modern en suite. But alas, whilst the window was tall to match the high ceiling, it also had absolutely no view. All I could see was what looked and smelt like some equipment to do with the extractor for the kitchen, to the left and a wall to the right. If I looked right to the top, I could see a tiny expanse of sky. Disappointing. The bathroom window was even worse with the necessary non see through bathroom style windows.

For someone who loves to be outside, not being able to at least see the great outdoors was utterly dismal.

Not to be deterred, I left the light deprived nature of the room to investigate the nearby harbour and town.

Had a little browse around a charity shop where I treated myself to a pack of three rather attractive pairs of new socks. I’m sick of seeing the worn out unmatching offerings that are usually adorning my feet.

Further explorations led me to discover a wonderful little place to satisfy my craving for a roast chicken dinner with all the trimmings. It totally delivered.

Once I’d got a newspaper, I took a slow meander back to the room for the evening as my early start was catching up with me.

The next day I enjoyed the luxury of getting up at a leisurely alarm free pace to wander down to the sea front establishments.

Found a suitable seat with a proper view from which to enjoy the mandatory cooked breakfast whilst reading Sunday’s leftover magazines.

It was so utterly relaxing, aided by the nearby presence of a ‘free refill on hot drinks’ machine, that it wasn’t until two hours later that I felt the urge to get moving again.

I set off up the coast to the next coastal resort.

Rain was threatening on and off but I made it to another very acceptable sea facing café complete with a window seat to host my next pot of tea and slice of most tasty orange and chocolate cake. Just before the next down pour. More magazines. And another room with a proper view to facilitate more sea gazing time.

Eventually embarked upon the return walk where I noticed a rainbow on three separate occasions in three different places.

Here.

And here, faintly above the houses to the left.

And here too.

A hattrick of them!

Had a last coffee out overlooking the harbour before returning to my viewless accommodation for an evening of film and easy watching TV.

Awoke on day three to the sound of the rain hammering on the viewless window. Usually I’d find such a sound cosy, but in this room, it felt depressing. I needed to leave the room.

Spurred on by the wet and windy weather, I headed for the Hotel gym. Bizarrely, even the windows in here were not the type of glass you could actually look out of! Aarggh.

I followed up my work out with a pot of tea at a table overlooking the wild and dirty looking sea. Here I took the liberty of reading the Hotel newspaper. But not for long as my stomach insisted I take it out for a feed.

In this weather, the only thing to do was to sample the local award winning fish and chip shop. It was good. And certainly silenced my stomach for a bit.

Afterwhich I sought out yet another window with a proper view to accompany me for some more reading. If I can’t get out to be by the sea, I at least want a window through which to look at it!

Finally, I returned to my hotel fifteen minutes too late for a cream tea. Gutted!

My last morning dawned bright and sunny!

So, following a hearty breakfast, I set off for my journey home.

And I was delighted to be back in my beloved bungalow!

Sea & Solitude

Following an incredibly sociable birthday, I was in need of some serious solitude.

Cue, a trip to the coast.

It didn’t disappoint.

My B & B room offered a balcony with a seaview. Proper lushness!

Obviously my first stop was for cod and chips. Would have been frightfully rude not to.

Eaten under the opportunistic gaze of this fella. Who left empty beaked.

After that lot, I was in dire need of a little rest.

So I had one here.

And another there.

Before returning to my room for a rare night of TV!

Day two saw my intended walk rained off so instead I drove to a near by village to check out their Art & Craft Centre. I love those places.

Saw some great signs.

Upon my return, I took myself off to a seafront establishment where I enjoyed food for eye and soul.

Before heading off for another sea front stroll.

I just never get tired of scenes like these.

But eventually felt the call for more food. Opted for a trip to McDonalds. Easy. Or so I thought. Little did I know that it had changed somewhat in the years since I last visited! Firstly, most people were ordering from intimidating looking flashy screens. I opted for a human. Then there was the business of attempting to choose something off a menu that doesn’t stay still. Mid reading it, it changes to a different page. Aaargh.

Anyway, I eventually managed to order some chicken things. But five minutes after paying, I was still waiting (impatiently) for my human to bring me my food. As I surveyed the room, I noticed that there was an Argos style kiosk where people took their receipts up to collect their food upon their number being called. Oh! I fished my receipt back out from the bottom of my bag and hey presto, mine was ready! How times move along without me!

Anyway, day three dawned bright and hopeful looking so I set off for my eight mile walk along the coast.

I was greeted by these.

And then at one point I had stunning green countryside to my left and the calm endless mass of sea to my right. A feast in all directions.

No matter how far I walked there was more spectacular sights to see.

It was a fab walk.

Came back for a relaxing film evening before my last day where I arose for a sunrise run along the sea front. Fantastic!

Enjoyed one last cup of tea from my balcony.

A lot of time was spent walking but an equal amount was spent with my feet in their favourite position whilst my eyes and belly feasted on all that was to offer.

I left feeling full and ready for my return to work.