if you’re fond of sand dunes, and salty air

This summer has been glorious, especially in comparison to last years total rainfest. We’ve spent hours in parks, on the beach and driving through winding country lines, we’ve lain on sun dappled blankets and soaked up the warmth of the rays. There’s been artisan coffee, homemade cake and homegrown vegetables, farmers markets, historical houses and tea factories. We’ve meandered, hiked, raced and driven, and collapsed into our beds exhausted but fulfilled. It’s been a good few weeks.

My biggest regret is that we didn’t get to go camping. We weighed up the pros and cons, and decided that with Daisy so young, and Ben so hyperactive, it would be pretty much a recipe for disaster, so it’s on the list of things to do for next summer. I’m dreaming of the Just So Festival, and possibly Bestival or Womad (especially after reading the wonderful posts by Hannah and Lou), peaceful campsites, washing in streams and abandoning technology for days on end.

One of my absolute favourite trips of the summer was the day we packed up the car, and headed out to West Witterings for breakfast on the beach. We arrived at 7am, when everything was still bathed in hazy morning sunshine; the sand was cool under our feet, and the only people around were two young girls who emerged from their tent, stretching and yawning, as we arrived. We ate brioche and drank hot coffee from a flask, flew our trusty old kite and ran wild across the dunes, before embarking on a lengthy beach-combing expedition. We left just before lunch, as people started to arrive with their loud radios and cases of beer, feeling glad we were travelling in the opposite direction to the people queuing for miles to find a parking space. It was a good day.

10 Comments

  1. The Lilac Teacup
    August 28, 2013 / 8:20 pm

    Gorgeous photos!!! It sounds like you've had a wonderful summer. We have been so lucky with the weather this year. Let's hope it lasts a little longer, I'm not quite ready for Autumn yet! 🙂 x

    • Vicky
      August 30, 2013 / 10:47 am

      Thank you! I'm not ready for Autumn either – I had to wear the wellies when I went out to pick the beans and tomatoes this morning, boo. I am quite looking forward to soups, stews and casseroles though – I'm so much better at Winter cooking!

  2. Katie Bedlow
    August 28, 2013 / 9:16 pm

    Ahhhh you can't beat The Whitterings for a day out (although you're right about the drive and parking – always a challenge!)! Sounds like an absolutely lovely day out, always keep special memories of the seaside!Katie

    • Vicky
      August 30, 2013 / 10:48 am

      I think it might possibly be my favourite place to take the kiddos, and they love being able to run wild. I do get huge envy when I see the people walking up the long road from their houses, though!

  3. LandGirl1980
    August 29, 2013 / 12:22 pm

    Oooh. Cool sand beneath your feet. I LOVE the feel of that!!! Looks like a perfect morning to me!

    • Vicky
      August 30, 2013 / 10:48 am

      Isn't it the best feeling – I really dug them in! Haha!

  4. Caroline South
    August 29, 2013 / 12:32 pm

    Gorgeous photos. Sounds like you had a wonderful time and had a good plan to get there so early, its such a lovely beach but gets soo busy! x

    • Vicky
      August 30, 2013 / 10:49 am

      Thank you! I seriously think it's the way forward – we might have to invest in a little beach tent so we can take enough food for the whole day! x

  5. The Beach Hut Cook
    August 29, 2013 / 1:46 pm

    I can thoroughly recommend a day by the beach. Makes you feel good about life.

    • Vicky
      August 30, 2013 / 10:50 am

      Doesn't it – I think it's something to do with the sea air and ocean. I always feel relaxed when I'm standing in the sea.

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