Beach Buoy and Another Dog reached Sandy Car Park at 6-02 a.m.
The Little Terns were silent.
The lady who once fell off her bike had turned at the South end of the Esplanade.
She was heading back north with her companion.
They met up with two who were aiming to reach the South end, then turn.
They turned once again.
All four reached the South end wall before returning north.
Beach Buoy placed the ever-reluctant Ruby on the Esplanade Wall.
They could see that the tide was well in.
It was overcast.
It was mild.
Random spots of rain came in a warm breeze from the west, across the sea.
They headed down to the water's edge.
Beach Buoy collected five suitable stones.
The man with invisible hiking poles was leading the way.
Ahead of him, Team One Black Ear were heading back north with a chap with an orange coat and a friendly Labradoodle.
They passed by.
"Morning."
"Morning."
"Morning."
The Labradoodle headed into the sea.
That'll be the Labrador half.
On the downside it was covered in curly Poodle fur which would be a nightmare to dry.
Out in the bay, a Ship headed into Hartlepool another made way to the River Tees.
The others were soon dots in the distance.
Beach Buoy gave a capful of seed to a nearby Crow.
They continued south.
It looked like the high tide was about to peak.
The raindrops switched from random to regular.
The man with invisible hiking poles turned back.
He had forgotten his invisible umbrella.
Beach Buoy reached into his beach bag.
Thankfully, he had brought a coat for Another Dog.
Beach Buoy looked back.
The Beachcombing Border Collie Couple had turned back early.
Due more to the height of the tide.
(Few finds.)
Than the rainfall.
Beach Buoy and Another Dog walked the low level route.
Two sturdy stones were selected.
They were added to the makeshift sea defence.
Up the small slope.
"Morning Mate."
It was 6-42.
Beach Buoy added the five suitable stones.
He patted
THE
stone.
He scattered some seeds for the Crows and Magpies.
He topped up the wildlife water bowl.
Beach Buoy had painted SKYE on a piece of beach-found slate with a hole in it.
It was varnished to protect it from rain.
He screwed it into one of the giant pencil posts for the military veteran who had just lost his Border Collie pal.
The driftwood seat with an elevated view was damp with the rain.
Beach Buoy sat on it anyway.
A damp sit and a think.
"See you mate."
They walked the low level route.
Back to the north.
Seabirds picked at the water's edge.
As they approached the end of the low level route Beach Buoy noticed more birds too.
Crows and more seabirds picked at the water's edge.
Beach Buoy pointed south like a one-armed Scarecrow.
Like a rehearsed magic trick the three Crows took off as one, they all headed to Stubborn Dog Stack.
Beach Buoy actually did laugh out loud.
It felt special.
The three Crows dropped down.
Breakfast was served.
Beach Buoy and Another Dog headed back north.
Distant waves were shared with Team Muzzled Dog.
At the north end of the dunes, Beach Buoy passed the man who once had four dogs.
"Morning."
"Morning Paul."
His three delightful dogs followed on behind as usual.
Once up on the Esplanade, Beach Buoy placed his small five item beach clean into a bin.
Paul.