Sea-Saw
Today we saw the sea, for the first time in over a year.
My last sighting had been on our trip to Cyprus last year, whilst Mr E had made a quick dash to Crinan to mothball the retirement project just before the first lockdown was implemented. Since then it's been all fields, trees, and grass in varying shades of green and brown.
What a contrast to be surrounded by blue.
It was a glorious day. With gale force winds forecast, we thought we might find the coast quiet and were not disappointed. In the event the huge cliffs around the bay at Saltburn and then at Sandsend seemed to keep out the worst of the wind and the sea was surprisingly calm.
There was no haze or drizzle to spoil the view southwards to Whitby and the abbey.
In fact we found several brave souls in shorts; some with feet in the water. I had gone dressed for the worst in thermal-lined winter trousers and a heavy duty coat that I wear for cold walks on the hills. I didn't quite get down to shorts but I did lose a couple of layers strolling along beside the sand as the thermometer hit 17 degrees and the tide its highest point.
The breeze was from a southerly direction; it was warm on the face as it blew a year's cobwebs away. Watching the waves lap in and out, it was easy to understand why the Victorians advocated the healing powers of the salty sea air and built piers to enjoy the health benefits. Lockdown restrictions have produced a see-saw of emotions over the last 12 months but suddenly I feel robust and full of energy again.
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