Beach Buoy, Borrowed Dog and Another Dog parked up in Seaton Park at 8-13 a.m.
The Park's Playground was white with frost.
Mr.Gunn/Lunn's car was parked nearby.
Beach Buoy crossed the sea front road to The Esplanade.
The 7 a.m. club were to the north.
Either pre or post sea swim.
Beach Buoy and the dogs headed to the sea.
They headed south.
The Bay looked like summer.
The patches of frost on the beach suggested otherwise.
The tide was well in.
Pebbles with Legs ran ahead of each incoming wave, as through they were pulling a theatrical curtain shut.
A dog that looked like a fox seemed to march towards them like an Irate Stage Manager.
"The show must go on!"
A lady in an orange hat walked her dog.
A second lady in an orange hat walked the beach.
The man with the Chocolate Coloured Labrador headed to the big slope.
He marched along, head down as if walking into a strong headwind.
He wasn't.
His dog kept running ahead of him, pausing to dig dog dug holes.
Sometimes, Beach Buoy lets the sea run to him.
He stood.
He took deep fresh breaths of factory- free air.
He took a few for his old mate Geoff.
They set off for the low level route.
A man in a long black walked a short black dog northwards.
They looked like sunshine shadows on the run.
He man with the Chocolate Labrador had disappeared over the Big Slope.
The beach was theirs.
Beach Buoy searched shingle and played beach bubble wrap when the chance was offered.
He took more factory free breaths.
He counted his blessings.
At least if things go belly up or Beach Buoy goes toes up.
Let it be known he never took any of it for granted.
They headed to the low level route.
"Morning Mate."
9-20.
Beach Buoy added some stones.
He patted
THE
stone.
Up above, an Aeroplane shone like a star.
It banked to the left and becomes a Cross.
He sat on the driftwood plank with plenty of rust.
The plastic just had to go.
Beach Buoy looked up as a Cormorant flew directly over Stubborn Dog Stack.
Beach Buoy smiled a smile.
A Structural Ship headed out to sea.
He stood up.
He looked northwards.
He looked at his sunshine shadow.
He knows him so well but not all really.
One thing for certain he knew he was a happier sole than streetlight shadow.
"See you mate."
Back along the low level route.
They headed back.
In a cut in the dunes edge, a grey-haired figure sat with their dog
Their own world.
Looking both deep in thought and out to sea.
Tractors busy as can be.
No wreck on show this morning.
Out in the Bay a bright green fishing boat caught the morning sun and hopefully some fish.
Four Crows walked the water's edge.
Dot to dot they formed an almost perfect square.
As they passed the Clock Tower, a car alarm went off. It sounded like an incorrect answer had been given on a T V. quiz show.
They let the beach at the Station Lane access ( and egress ) ramp.
Back to The Front.
Back to the van.
BEACH BUOY.
