Beach Buoy and his mate Stubborn Dog arrived at an empty, wind-swept car park at 6-57 am.
As they had waited at the junction of Elizabeth Way to drive to the beach, a BMW had flown along the Tees Rd and had just about managed to land safely at Seaton Carew International Airport.
The Church Bells rang out for 7am as they approached the access ramp.
The 7am club were on the ball time-wise and had just passed the car park.
Our intrepid duo headed for the water's edge.
The tide was low, the wind was biting, the sea angry.
They headed along the water's edge.
The sea would rush at random and claim 30 or 40 metres at a time, then rush out, just as much, just as quickly.
The 7am club passed at a distance, they were on the strand line Beach Buoy was on the unpredictable water's edge.
One of the club shouted 'MORNING!'
Beach Buoy reciprocated.
The 'Mornings' headed off towards Redcar, carried by the wind.
Waves were exchanged between the two passing parties; more waves on a stormy day.
They returned to the beach and headed for the North Gare Pier.
The strip of sand that allowed beach access was only narrow.
A run on the sea of 30 or 40 metres would see them making a rush for the grey rocks for safety.
They erred on the side of caution and began to head back.
Seaweed in the style of Lowry joined them for the walk back.
They headed back to the van.
They drove to a different car park to enjoy their coffee.
The van's central heating was fired up.
A distant metal detectorist looked like a member of The Borrowers family walking the promenade wall as opposed to a full size version walking his sad and lonely beach in the hope of cashing in on someone else's misfortune.
Later that day....
over on the headland...
'Are we going for a walk or are you going to sit and pour more coffee down your neck?'
They went for that coffee-less walk.
Some walked on the Pier!
A person ducks to avoid the waves..
That'll work
I think that could be the grim reaper off to collect him?
Beach Buoy has many sea pilots on his family tree.
Across the harbour entrance.
To the left of the lifeboat station is the factory where Beach Buoy served his time.
A stones throw from the beach.
Some lunchtimes they would go out and do just that.
To the right; a factory were Beach Buoy ended up years later.
They all had nap after their Headland excursion.
Some naps lasted longer than others......
The 'others' poured Coffee down their necks.
He said Preaching in Hartlepool was like trying to grow a crop in the sand......
BEACH BUOY.
