It was 6-08 a.m.
Beach Buoy made a coffee for now and a coffee for the beach.
He judged the daylight as he drank his now coffee.
Beach Buoy and Another Dog set off at 6-24.
It had rained heavily overnight.
They headed to a light blue sky.
Beach Buoy had two hoods up and his hands buried deep in coat pockets.
It was mild, it just felt more comfortable that way.
A car sped down Tees Road.
It's music was louder than its engine.
They crossed a deserted, puddle-filled car park.
Overhead, Gulls voiced a range of emotions, ranging from cries to laughter.
Upon reaching the promenade, Beach Buoy could see that the tide was a good way out.
6-45a.m.
Boots and paws were on the sands.
In the distance, three beach walkers plus dogs walked north on the water's edge.
It was the 7 a.m. club.
Gulls twisted and turned above.
They reminded Beach Buoy of paper litter blown around on a windy street corner.
It sounded more windy than it felt.
There was no wind-blown sand.
Yesterday's strong winds had taken it all.
High up, above the shelter of the high dune edge, a long line of Gulls tried to head inland.
The struggled against a strong wind from the west.
In the half light, they looked like music notation.
As they rose and fell, it was clear that they were unsure of the tune.
Beyond the river, small clouds like puffs of smoke from a steam train headed for the seaside on imaginary track.
By the time 7 a.m. came the beach was completely theirs.
They headed for the sandy slope.
From a beach sheltered by the high dune edge, Beach Buoy could see the Marram Grass bending in the wind, up on the more exposed dunes.
7-12 a.m
"Morning Mate."
Beach Buoy added some stones.
He patted
THE
stone.
He drank coffee.
He enjoyed the company of dogs past and present.
"See you mate "
They left the dunes and some of the dogs behind.
Once on the beach, they continued south.
A man and dog heading north dropped down onto the beach near to Stubborn Dog Stack.
They too headed south, but a quicker pace.
They passed.
"Alright Buddy, eased a bit hasn't it?
Beach Buoy agreed.
The wind had eased from Yesterday.
The man's dog's collar was covered in poppies.
The wind turbines still turned quickly out in the bay.
Poppy Dog and it's owner had turned at the Pier
They were heading to the north along the water's edge.
Meanwhile Beach Buoy and Another Dog dawdled southwards.
Sand Martin Corner had to make do with a coating of morning sunlight as it waited for its beautiful residents to return.
They headed to the water's edge, then north.
Beach Buoy hadn't checked the tide time.
He wasn't sure if it was coming in or going out.
To be honest, the way the sea was swirling around it looked liked it wasn't so sure itself.
Beach Buoy laid out a few recent bits and bobs out on the beach.
They continued north.
Not Beach Buoy was up ahead
Heading for the promenade.
Screams came from the beach below the village green.
The Brass Monkey Swimmers were entering the sea.
The Village Church Bells rang out for
8-15.
BEACH BUOY.
