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| It was 6-15 am on a still and muggy morning. Two local vocal lads were on the promenade. One was resting on the wall, the other was standing on it. By the time Beach Buoy had changed into his beach boots, the lads had climbed into their car with a vocal exhaust and scampered across the wet car park, splashing as they left. The horizon was a pale peach in colour. Beach Buoy headed towards it. Apart form a figure down opposite the Village Green, the beach belonged to Beach Buoy and Stubborn Dog. |
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| The sea seemed to rolling in slow motion or perhaps it was Beach Buoy who was slow. Over towards the River Tees an oddly stacked ship left port. |
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| They headed south. They rested on the dune edge, where a step had been formed by the sea. Beach Bu0y had a sit and think. Stubborn Dog had a sleep at his feet. The Skylarks sang, the sand flies danced in time, like shrimps stranded on land in search of sea. A Big Bumble Bee, zig-zagged in front of Beach Buoy then flew along the dune edge like a big fat full stop in search of a fitting sentence of note. Beach Buoy stood up. 6-56 am. The Beach was theirs entirely for a few minutes. The 7 am club were bang on time. In time their paths crossed and that big friendly poodle was back for more. As they left the beach, a jogger headed south on a wet sand on the water's edge, dancing toe to toe with his reflection. Back in the car park a Starling was having a whale of a time in a car park puddle. The church bells rang at 7-45 as Beach Buoy did a boot swap. Stubborn Dog laid in his bed cleaning his paws. |
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| 11-45am St Mary's Island. The tide was out. Rock poolers rock pooled. Around the Island seals could be seen. Signs asked people to stay clear and stay quiet. |
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| It was overcast, but warm. The sun was trying to shine through. Then it was back to the van. Kettle on. Cuppa. Lunch. |
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| After lunch it was a short drive to the small car park at Old Hartley. It gave a lovely view of the Island. Then it was off to Blyth........ |
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| Rest in Peace. Beach Buoy. |
