"It's OK to walk." said the Physio.
"Just don't overdo it."
At 6-30 pm they reached the car park.
Beach Buoy drank from his thermal mug as he looked out over the busy beach.
It was a warm Thursday evening.
It was 6-45 pm when Beach Buoy and Borrowed Dog finally headed for the sea.
The tide was well out.
They took it slowly.
Beach Buoy had no intention of over doing it.
There was a refreshing and welcome breeze blowing off the sea to the east.
They headed south.
Everyone that had been south, all seemed to head north at the same time.
This part of the beach was theirs, for now at least.
They headed to Stubborn Dog Stack.
Beach Buoy had joined the dunes system early via a more gentle slope on the dune edge.
No point in straining up a steep sandy bank when nowhere near full fitness.
"Hiya Mate."
Beach Buoy filled-in some more gaps with another handful of shingle.
Beach Buoy, Borrowed Dog and Stubborn Dog shared some time together in peace.
"Night night mate."
Beach Buoy patted
THE
stone.
They headed north, minus Stubborn Dog.
A dawdling couple had appeared from North Gare Beach.
They walked north on the water's edge.
Beach Buoy went into the sea!
He had gone to the beach wearing shorts after a visit to the Physio.
So why not?
The cool water felt pleasant on his aching ankle.
He would have went in up to his knees, as the whole bottom half of his leg ached, but Borrowed Dog wasn't too impressed.
They headed back to the van.
Beach Buoy took Borrowed Dog back.
--------------------------------
It was 11-15 pm
Beach Buoy couldn't settle at all.
The van seats were comfortable for beach Buoy's aching leg.
He could have just sat on the drive.
He drove to the sea front..
He sat and watched the promenade.
Midnight came and went.
Paramedics came to a nursing home across the village green, then went.
Large cars sped along the sea front from time to time.
It was 12 -45 am when Beach Buoy headed back.
By 8 a.m, he was parked on the sea front once more.
Coffee, tablets and toast.
It was a warm morning.
Cars began to arrive and park up in front of Beach Buoy.
The sea-water swimmers had started to arrive.
