Monday 16th November 2015

Sunday

And on the seventh day the wind did blow. From the west. Up here on the cliffs, the wind did whistle, but all in all not too bad. However, we wanted to see big rolling and crashing waves, and these we would not see whilst the wind was set westerly. Therefore, after coffee we go in the car to drive to Camber Sands. Camber is, or was, one of those holiday resorts that Hi De Hi gently mocks, a resort that only exists really because of its wind, flat sandy beach. It all is still there; holiday camp, family pubs, small amusement hall. And the beach. And the beach faces west.

The roads were quiet, even along the A20, after calling in at St Martin’s Battery for a look over the harbor to see if there were waves crashing over the Marine Station: there were not, so we drive on, past Folkestone, through Hythe and along the coast road through Dymchurch and both Romneys. From there it was straight across the Romney Marsh, along the rad the traffic was very light, as idiots do try to overtake on blind bends sometimes.

Across the border into Sussex, we turn off the main road onto the Lydd road and a couple of miles along was Camber.

Into the car park, which was already pretty much covered by drifting sand, and with the wind howling, I got out my camera, rain coat and off we went onto the sandflats. And indeed the wind was howling, driving sand along the beach, making it seem eerie. First time I take off the lens cap to take a shot, the wind takes it from my hand and is gone forever.

I stand still, and the sand begins to drift around my feet, part burying them in a few seconds.

Others with dogs and/or children are arriving, enjoying as we are, the thrill of this wonderful weather. There are even a couple of riders on ponies, out trotting along, as is being on a beach with the wind blowing so much sand about makes your feet invisible is a normal thing.

We walk to the point where the waves, not as large and crashing as hoed, but still lapping the beach. That done, we turn and head back for the car, this time with the wind at our backs, pushing us along.

A short drive away is Rye, built on a rocky outcrop and surround by churches, ancient buildings and tat shops. That’s unfair by me, the shops are mostly independent, and worth a look round. Also there are many places to get a cup of coffee and a slice of cake. We chose one and order. And the place is soon filling up nicely.

We walk round the town, I buy a quiche for lunch, then wait for the record shop to open. In it I find a nice Comsat Angels twelve inch picture disc, which is mine for eight quid. The town was now quite busy, so we decide to drive back home and think about what to do for the rest of the day.

For the most part that was listening to the radio, for me, or watching episodes of Enterprise, for Jools. All in all, it worked. There was no football on so the day faded, we had lunch/dinner.

And that is yet another weekend over and done with. How did that happen.

Again?