Friday morning.
Beach Buoy went to the beach alone.
It was windy from the southwest.
Beach Buoy was worried about Another Dog's eye after surgery with the chance of shifting sands.
It was still dark.
A Jogger jogged along The Esplanade.
Beach Buoy headed to the beach.
He collected five suitable stones as he headed south by torch light.
Others were on the beach.
He could see torch lights and flashing dog collars to both the north and south.
The lights to the south came closer.
Still too dark to see Beach Buoy shouted,
"Is that you Cocoa?"
"Is it you from the other day mate?"
"Aye."
The Dog was let loose and came bounding over.
"He's only a year old."
said the owner, as the big friendly dog chewed lightly on Beach Buoy's hand.
Beach Buoy made a fuss of the bouncing and chewing dog.
They both felt the need to explain why they were on the beach so early in the dark.
They wished each other well before taking different routes.
The man and his two dogs headed off into the darkness,
Beach Buoy headed to the low level route.
Up the small slope that leads to Stubborn Dog Stack.
Brakesy had kindly left another wonderful painted stone for passers-by to share.
Perfect.
"Morning Mate."
It was 7-20.
He added the five suitable stones.
He patted
THE
stone.
Beach Buoy had a stand and think about those no longer in his life.
"See you Winnie, Geoff and Bob."
He returned to the beach below.
It seemed a little lighter than it might of done.
This was thanks to the sky being quite clear of cloud.
The tide was well out.
He headed back closer to the sea than the strand-line.
Up ahead he could see Mr.Gunn/Lunn, Excellent Dog Alfie and Thursday Basil, on a Friday.
Mr.Gunn/Lunn usually brings Basil to the beach each Tuesday as a favour for a neighbour and a treat for the dog.
As Another Dog was absent Beach Buoy opened out his arms as Basil made a bee-line for him.
The little dog is more Basil Rathbone than Basil Brush.
It has an odd habit of running behind you before popping out from behind, between your feet.
It did just that.
Beach Buoy made a fuss of him and Excellent Dog Alfie once he arrived.
He chatted to Mr.Gunn/Lunn as the Beachcombing Border Collie Couple began to head south.
Beach Buoy headed back to the car park.
The wreck was well ashore but he needed to leave there and then.
BEACH BUOY.
