Beach Buoy and Another Dog didn't leave the house until 7-49 a.m.
As they set off, the Beachcombing Border Collie Couple passed by, heading home.
It was already light but a washed-out full moon still hung in the sky to the west.
It had rained overnight.
They walked wet fallen leaves as they passed the cricket club.
The club's flagpole flew a flag as pale as the moon.
It fluttered gently in the breeze from the west.
The Village Church Bells rang for 8 a.m. as they passed the golf club.
Golfers set off, laughing "good for business" laughs.
A small silver van drove by.
An excited Alfie and Archie could be heard barking inside.
They were members of Team Mick Aston Jumper.
Beach Buoy and Another Dog reached the beach access ramp.
Beach Buoy chatted briefly to Alfie and Archie's mam before heading down the ramp.
Two Cyclists that had ridden to the southernmost end of The Esplanade sat chatting on the most southerly bench.
People walked the water's edge.
Nearby, a dog danced as it waited for a ball to be thrown.
A couple headed north.
They walked either side of a girl about ten years old.
The girl had the coat half on, half off
Arms halfway in the sleeves.
The coat itself looked to be more like a cape, hanging off her back.
They headed south.
The sand was smoothed, almost clear of footprints.
The previous tide had come up to the dune edge.
A man with a mouth and two large dogs off the lead came from the north.
Beach Buoy went to higher ground to let them pass observed.
Beach Buoy and Another Dog climbed the big slope.
The Sun came out.
"Morning Mate."
It was 8-35.
Beach Buoy added some stones.
He patted
THE
stone.
He sat on the well-worn plank with plenty of rust.
He thought.
"See you mate."
They slid down to the beach below.
The began a slow walk back.
The bright sun allowed their long and crisp sunshine shadows lead the way.
Mr Gunn/ Lunn and excellent dog Alfie approached from the north.
They chatted, mainly about how mild it was...
They went their separate ways.
The Seaton Carew Wreck was ashore now, exposed by the receding tide.
Three walked on the wreck like scavengers, but over a hundred years too late.
Beach Buoy and Another Dog headed to the beach access ramp.
It really was mild.
It felt like it was 5 a.m. on an July morning.
The Village Church Bells rang for 9 a.m. as they climbed up the ramp.
They walked The Esplanade.
BEACH BUOY.
