It was 8-05am when they finally reached the car park.
It was one of those days.
Maybe they should have given the beach a miss this morning?
All of the signs were there.
Stubborn Dog glued to a comfy seat.
Beach boots that seemed to have walked themselves to a hiding place.
A beach coat that became invisible.
Eventually Dog, boots and coat were rounded up.
The rain was lashing down.
Pushed along on a cold northerly wind, it was battering the passenger side of the van.
Stubborn Dog slept nearby, shaking like a jelly on a motorcycle.
He does this sometimes, not always, just sometimes, even on warm days.
He does it when he sees ghosts or when the alarm peeps to let you know that the smoke alarm battery needs replacing.
Fireworks don't bother him at all.
Beach Buoy covered his mate up, even though it may not have been a cold shiver.
The dog looked at him as he did so then snuggled deeper into the passenger seat of the van.
Beach Buoy went outside to take a few photographs and have a short spell of allowed exercise.
Then it was back to the shelter of the van.
The shelter with rain bouncing off.
Coffee had been brought.
Beach Buoy drank as it watched a few, brave the weather with dogs that weren't glued to seats.
Here in his
"Mobile Beach Hut Mode" van,
he watched the winter world go by.
The whole horizon was a band of Undercoat Grey.
Beach Buoy tried to imagine what it must have been like years ago, in the days of sail.
Without all of today's aids and instant communications to owners, Captains must have looked out on stormy days, knowing a shipload of coal needed to go down the east coast to London.
It would be their call.
Ships, Cargo and lives in their hands.
Brave, brave people.
Back to reality.
A jogger passed by,
running into the strong head wind, no cargo just maybe a thought of a hot shower and a warm drink?
Optimistic Sunglasses rested on the dashboard, alongside Dashboard Monkey.
A few of yesterday's (Last years!) beach find were nearby.
They headed back.
Stubborn Dog seemed grateful that he had been allowed to dream about being on the beach than actually going on to it?
----------------------------------------
Later that day they had a short walk over on the headland.
The headland is a good call anytime but is a good idea when there is a cold northerly winds the large houses that face across towards Seaton Carew provide excellent shelter.
Beach Buoy.
