Another named storm had arrived.
Beach Buoy went to the beach alone.
It was wild.
It was 7 a.m.
The Esplanade was dusted with wind-blown sand.
The beach access ramp was just a sand storm.
Beach Buoy headed to the low wall at the southern end of the Esplanade.
It was still quite dark.
Darker than the photographs would suggest.
With a Green Flashing Light and a Torch he collected five suitable stones.
He headed to wet non-shifting sand as quickly as he could.
As well as sand, the strong wind carried rain.
It felt like an uphill battle.
He paused to catch his breath.
Looking to the north he could see the lights of dog walkers.
He walked the low level route.
It looked like the No.5 Buoy Base had gone.
Hopefully by the Port people and not the sea.
"Morning Mate."
It was 7-22.
He added the five suitable stones.
He patted
THE
stone.
No Crow this morning.
Not in that wind.Beach Buoy scattered some seeds in a sheltered spot.
"See you mate."
He walked the low level route once more.
He headed for the wet sand as quickly as he could.
Dog walkers were to the north.
Beach Buoy didn't recognise their silhouettes.
The water's edge.
He was striding back to the car park without even trying.
Each raised foot for a step was pushed another half step by the strong wind.
It was wonderful.
Two hoods were up.
It was raining but wonderful.
He felt like he could walk for miles.
One of those days when a warm fluffy towel would be welcome at the end of the walk.
He headed to the car park.
He had parked up out of the line of fire.
The beach seemed to walk with him.
The ramp was still a no go zone.
A bit blowy is the technical term.
BEACH BUOY.
