Tuesday, 21, FEB, 2023. SEATON SANDS, HARTLEPOOL.

Beach Buoy and Another Dog reached the beach at 6-55 a.m.

The sky was amazing.

They wandered towards the sea.

The reflections on the wet sand were beautiful.

These colours are so gorgeous but can be so fleeting.

The whole bay was aglow.

The combined 7 a.m. club and Team Distant Wave had almost finished their morning walk .

The dogs ran to greet Beach Buoy.

He greeted them.

"Morning Paul."

"Morning."

"Morning Paul."

"Morning."

"Morning Paul."

"Morning."

They discussed the colours of the sky.

"The blues, earlier on were gorgeous."

They went their separate ways.

Beach Buoy and Another Dog walked the dune edge as they headed to Stubborn Dog Stack.

A Lone Oyster Catcher whistled as though trying to draw attention to itself.

It worked.

"Morning Mate."

Beach Buoy added some stones.

He patted

THE

stone. 

He drank coffee.

It was 7-26 a.m.

To the north the muzzled dog couple headed south.

Their two dogs ran from one owner to the other as they walked the beach, together but apart.

"Muzzled Dog trotted up to the stack, it looked and left.

It always kept its distance.

It's owners passed on the beach below as they headed for North Gare.

Their Timid Border Collie, choosing to stay with them. 

"See you mate."

Eventually Beach Buoy and Another Dog went back down onto the beach.

They walked towards the light...

They had a mooch down near the World War Two Tank Traps.

The Timid Border Collie appeared.

It was alone and looked lost once more.

For the first time ever it approached Beach Buoy.

It's like it was asking for help.

Beach Buoy stroked the dog .

He held onto its collar.

He rang one of the two phone numbers that was on its collar.

"Hello."

"Have you lost your dog? I have him here down at the tank traps."

Beach Buoy could hear his message being passed on.

"Thank you."

Not long after the lady appeared with Muzzled Dog.

"Thank you.

A noise from the Steel Works spooked him."

Then... for the first time ever the usually aloof Muzzled Dog came over to say hello.

It felt like a thank you for finding my mate.

There was even a wag of the tail !

"He is friendly, just likes chasing birds."

The dogs and owner headed off into the dunes.

Beach Buoy stayed on the beach until...

Was it?

Could it be?

Beach Buoy strained his ears.

It sounded like a Skylark?

He and Another Dog clambered over the grey rocks.

One was keener than the other.

The Skylarks had returned.

Brilliant.

Beach Buoy savoured the moment.

You never will know when it's your last, first Skylark of the year.

A jogger jogged by on the dune edge.

"Morning."

"Morning."

 Beach Buoy replied.

The jogger was soon a dot in the distance to the north. 

 Beach Buoy and Another Dog ambled back.

Oyster Catchers paced around on the water's edge.

They all looked they were nervously waiting for an interview.

BEACH BUOY.

Monday, 20, FEB.2023. SEATON SANDS, HARTLEPOOL.

Monday.

A day off.

The van was going in for an M.O.T. test and a service.

Beach first...

The van pulled up in the beach car park at 6-55 a.m.

Minutes later, Beach Buoy and Another Dog were on the beach.

Strong winds had stripped the beach of soft, non tidal sand.

The walk to the strand-line was like walking a cobbled street.

Three had looked like they were heading for a morning dip.

They had stopped short of the sea, choosing to sit on the low wall off the beach access ramp and look at their phones instead.

Team Distant Wave came down the access ramp.

There was a strong wind from the west.

The tide was well out.

Team Distant Wave led the way south.

Beach Buoy and Another Dog dawdled along.

In no time at all Team Distant Wave were fits in the distance.

Beach Buoy were walking a point midway between the strand-line and the sea. 

Beach Buoy kept pausing.

Watch the sea.

Breathe the air.

It somehow smelt sweeter with it being a weekday off. 

A combined 7 a.m. club and Team Distant Wave passed as they all returned north.

The dogs ran to meet Beach Buoy first. 

Hugo!

Lola!

Mari!

Neck scratch and shoulder rubs applied, the dogs ran back to their group.

"Morning."

"Morning."

"Morning."

"Morning."

The group carried on, eventually pausing at the point that they go their own way.

Chatting-by-the-sea.

Beach Buoy and Another Dog headed to Stubborn Dog Stack.

It was 7-22 a.m.

Beach Buoy added some stones.

He patted

THE

stone.

"Morning Mate."

Three hoods came down.

Beach Buoy drank coffee with a breeze running through his hair.

The couple with a muzzled dog and a timid Collie passed, heading south on the beach below. 

Another Dog sat watching the sea intently.

Beach Buoy wondered what the little dog was thinking?

Beach Buoy watched the sea too.

Then he asked himself why, for the first time did the horizon look to be part of a curve and not just a straight line?

Funny how you can look at something for years then suddenly see it a different way completely.

"See you mate."

They returned to the beach.

They began a slow walk back.

The breeze blew into their faces as they walked.

A Gull and The Sea Serpent Marker.

 The beach was quiet apart from Gulls on the water's edge, arguing over something and nothing.

BEACH BUOY. 

SEATON SANDS, HARTLEPOOL. 19. FEB. 2023.

Beach Buoy and Another Dog reached the beach car park at 6-41 a.m.

The air was damp and chilled.

Thankfully, yesterday's wind had died an unmourned death.

The tide looked well out.

Some Gulls stood silently at the water's edge.

Others chose to be vocal overhead.

They headed down the access ramp then down towards the sea. 

From the car park, behind the promenade wall, Beach Buoy heard a car door slam shut.

Others!

Beach Buoy and Another Dog walked the walk. 

Low cloud on the horizon looked like grey, but snow-topped mountains. 

Hugo and Lola the Pug came running over.

Both were given a warm welcome and a neck scratch. 

Team Distant Wave were on the beach.

They were the "Others ".

Up ahead, a man took photographs of the morning sky as he headed south. 

 Beach Buoy and Another Dog headed to the water's edge.

Out in the bay, a lone cloud hung in the air like a giant Gull's feather. 

The 7 a.m. club an Team Distant Wave chatted as their dogs played. 

Beach Buoy and Another Dog walked past the track of a seal.

It had likely fell asleep at high tide, only to wake and find the sea long gone?

Dogs had ran, sniffing either side of the track.

Hugo did the same off he ran towards the dunes. 

That's him in the photograph above.

Beach Buoy and Another Dog headed to Stubborn Dog Stack.

It was 7-15 a.m..

"Morning Mate."

Beach Buoy added some stones.

He patted 

THE

stone. 

He drank coffee as he watched the beach.

Beach conversation over, the 7a.m. were way to the north.

Team Distant Wave headed south.

The man who had been taking photographs, stood as he looked through his captures. 

"See you mate."

Beach Buoy and Another Dog went back to the beach.

Mr. Gunn/Nunn passed at a distance as he and Alfie headed South.

Distant waves were exchanged.

At 7-29 a.m. the Sun rose clear broke free of the low cloud.

The beach had been patterned by swirling seas.

It was odd to see so many starfish in the pools of beach-trapped water.

More.

And even more. 

🥺...

Beach Buoy and Another Dog began a slow walk back.

At the car park, he chatted to a workmate.

They headed off in the van.

Dottie Dog and her mam were heading for the beach.

Distant waves were shared.

BEACH BUOY.

SEATON SANDS HARTLEPOOL 18, FEB, 2023..

It was 6-08 a.m.

Beach Buoy made a coffee for now and a coffee for the beach.

He judged the daylight as he drank his now coffee.

Beach Buoy and Another Dog set off at 6-24.

It had rained heavily overnight.

They headed to a light blue sky.

Beach Buoy had two hoods up and his hands buried deep in coat pockets. 

It was mild, it just felt more comfortable that way. 

A car sped down Tees Road.

It's music was louder than its engine. 

They crossed a deserted, puddle-filled car park.

Overhead, Gulls voiced a range of emotions, ranging from cries to laughter. 

Upon reaching the promenade, Beach Buoy could see that the tide was a good way out.

6-45a.m.

Boots and paws were on the sands.

In the distance, three beach walkers plus dogs walked north on the water's edge.

It was the 7 a.m. club. 

Gulls twisted and turned above.

They reminded Beach Buoy of paper litter blown around on a windy street corner. 

It sounded more windy than it felt.

There was no wind-blown sand.

Yesterday's strong winds had taken it all. 

High up, above the shelter of the high dune edge, a long line of Gulls tried to head inland.

The struggled against a strong wind from the west.

In the half light, they looked like music notation.

As they rose and fell, it was clear that they were unsure of the tune.

Beyond the river, small clouds like puffs of smoke from a steam train headed for the seaside on imaginary track.

By the time 7 a.m. came the beach was completely theirs. 

They headed for the sandy slope.

From a beach sheltered by the high dune edge, Beach Buoy could see the Marram Grass bending in the wind, up on the more exposed dunes.

7-12 a.m 

"Morning Mate."

Beach Buoy added some stones.

He patted

THE

stone.

He drank coffee.

He enjoyed the company of dogs past and present.

"See you mate "

They left the dunes and some of the dogs behind. 

Once on the beach, they continued south.

A man and dog heading north dropped down onto the beach near to Stubborn Dog Stack.

They too headed south, but a quicker pace.

They passed.

"Alright Buddy, eased a bit hasn't it?

Beach Buoy agreed. 

The wind had eased from Yesterday.

The man's dog's collar was covered in poppies.

The wind turbines still turned quickly out in the bay.

Poppy Dog and it's owner had turned at the Pier 

They were heading to the north along the water's edge.  

Meanwhile Beach Buoy and Another Dog dawdled southwards. 

Sand Martin Corner had to make do with a coating of morning sunlight as it waited for its beautiful residents to return.

They headed to the water's edge, then north.

Beach Buoy hadn't checked the tide time.

He wasn't sure if it was coming in or going out.

To be honest, the way the sea was swirling around it looked liked it wasn't so sure itself.

 Beach Buoy laid out a few recent bits and bobs out on the beach.

They continued north.

Not Beach Buoy was up ahead 

Heading for the promenade.

Screams came from the beach below the village green.

The Brass Monkey Swimmers were entering the sea.

The Village Church Bells rang out for 

8-15.

BEACH BUOY.

SEATON SANDS HARTLEPOOL. 16,FEB. 2023.

Thursday.

Beach Buoy and Another Dog set off on foot at 3-42 p.m.

They reached the beach at 3-58.

The muzzled dog couple were on the beach.

Their Border collie was with.

It had been lost for 48 hours recently , having been spooked by the sound of music a noisy  motor cycle engine.

"Glad you have your dog back."

"Thank you."

The tide was well out.

A strong breeze blew from the west.

The Seaton Carew Wreck was well ashore.

The Muzzled dog couple led the way south with their two dogs.

They walked a fair distance apart.

The dogs ran from one owner to the other over and over again.

The dogs must have walked a couple of extra beaches each visit.

A family with three Spaniels, walked to the sea 

Beach Buoy drank coffee as he walked.

It may be the shortest month, but it felt like the longest of weeks.

"Afternoon Mate."

Beach Buoy added some stones.

He patted

THE

stone.

"Afternoon Mate."

It was 4-28.

The sun had appeared as they had reached the top of the sandy slope.

It was like being beamed aboard.

The Marram Grass both bowed and glowed in the sunlight and the strong breeze.

"See you mate."

They returned to the beach.

The Sea Serpent Marker.

They continued south for a while.

The Gull ballet.

They walked the sea coal as though it were a road.

The sun had gone.

The daylight would be around for a while yet.

Beach cleaned.

Sadly it was plastic not pottery.

BEACH BUOY.

 

SEATON SANDS HARTLEPOOL, 15, FEB, 2023.

Beach Buoy and Another Dog headed for the beach on foot. 

It was 4 p.m.

The air was still but had a chill.

Around twenty Starlings were perched on the very top of a naked tree.

It was 4-13 when boots and paws hit sand.

The tide was well out.

A full wreck's length away from the wreck itself.

Out on the open beach, a breeze began to blow.

It came from the west, from the dunes. 

Beach Buoy and Another Dog walked a lazy low strand-line. 

A lady and her Wagging Spaniel walked the water's edge. 

A Crow and an Oyster Catcher stood side by side, picking and pecking at the beach.

One dressed for dinner, the other for a funeral. 

4-39 p.m.

"Afternoon Mate."

Beach Buoy added some stones. 

He patted

THE

stone.

He paused.

"See you mate."

They headed back. 

On the way back they met a Twitter mate.

They had bumped into one another a couple of times.

Beach Buoy was introduced to a new rescue dog.

They chatted 

They went they their separate ways.

 The sunset behind the dunes....

A man laid flat on the sand as if dead 

He wasn't.

He was fine.

Beach Buoy and Another Dog headed up the access ramp as the Village Church Bells rang out for 5 p.m.

BEACH BUOY.

SEATON SANDS HARTLEPOOL 14, FEB. 2023.

Beach Buoy and Another Dog set off on foot at 4 p.m.

Their sunshine shadows came along for the ride.

Earlier Fog had burnt off.

As they meandered down towards the beach, birds seemed to chatter excitedly. 

It was mild and bright.

The tide was well out.

There was lots of space.

Excellent.

Random Oyster Catchers seemed to call to one another as they headed to the dunes, alone but together.

Three Retrievers seemed to gallop by in slow motion.

It was both calm and calming. 

It was so peaceful.

It was the slowest of walks.

Too nice to rush.

Out in the bay, a slight mist hung.

Only nine of the wind turbines were visible.

Three dune folk stood with the sun behind them. 

They looked out onto a silver blue sea.

A tall thin old man appeared from the dunes with a tall thin old greyhound.

There were no hands in pockets today.

Beach Buoy's hand hung by his side.

The worries of the world dripped from his finger ends onto the sand.

Beach Buoy gathered some large pieces of seacoal for the stack.

They said hello to Stubborn Dog.

"Afternoon Mate."

Beach Buoy added the coal to the stack.

They stayed a while.

Coffee and a dog treat or two.

It was 4-44 p.m.

They headed back.

"See you mate."

Back to the beach 

Hook-a-duck Gulls floated on a stretch of sea that had sought out some low-lying sand.

A nearby factory broadcast a bing bong message across the beach.

The sun began to set.

It looked like a flame-effect fire both real and false all rolled into one.

BEACH BUOY.