"And so this is Christmas."
The happiest or the saddest of days depending on your situation.
Beach Buoy and Another Dog reached the beach at 7-53.
One third of Team Mick Aston Jumper were just getting out of their car.
This third is a Black Pug with an owner like a retired Captain Birdseye.
"Morning. Merry Christmas."
"Merry Christmas. She's got her Christmas jumper on."
Sure enough underneath her waterproof coat, the Pug was wearing a Christmas jumper.
The rearranged meeting man marched by.
"Morning."
"Morning."
There was a wind blowing from the south east.
Sand was being blown up the access slope.
Beach Buoy and Another Dog opted to go to the southern end of the Esplanade.
Once over the small wall, they were on the beach.
A couple walked their Border Collie along the water's edge.
Beach Buoy collected five suitable stones.
No torch required.
A group of three stood with their three dogs to the north.
Beach Buoy had seen them before but their paths had never crossed.
A walker walked the dune heights, coming and going as he walked the highs and lows.
The dunes of life.
Up ahead he dropped down onto the beach.
He had a dog.
They only walked the beach a short while before merging back into the dunes.
One half of Team Muzzled Dog were jogging back to the north.
The lady and Alfie the Border Collie.
"Morning, Merry Christmas."
"Merry Christmas."
They chatted briefly but the lady had to crack on.
She was time keeping in this morning's park run on the Esplanade.
Beach Buoy and Another Dog made their way to Stubborn Dog Stack.
"Morning Mate, Merry Christmas."
It was 8-23.
He Patted
THE
stone.
He added five more."
He had a sit and think...
Dogs and people appeared up the small slope.
It was the group of three from the north.
All were friendly.
"Merry Christmas."
bounded around like an echo.
The group headed back north along the "Easy" route before dropping back down onto the beach below.
Beach Buoy let the three gain a bit of distance before setting off.
"See you mate."
Back to the beach.
The man who once had four dogs went by with three.
"Morning, Merry Christmas."
"Morning, Merry Christmas.
The Sunderland supporter was to the north.
Beach Buoy was still under the weather so would keep his distance.
They passed by.
Distant,
Morning and Merry Christmases
were shared.
A Ship left the river behind.
The Pilot boat alongside.
The Christmas beach was quite busy.
There was the fainest hint of pink on some of the cloud's underbellies
A couple headed south.
Shop-bought coffees in hand.
Doddle Dog by their side.
A flat cap and a Spaniel headed to the sea.
up on the Esplanade a Jogger went by.
He was wearing a pointy, green Christmas tree hat.
BEACH BUOY.
