Refresh and Chips

Day 96

25th August 2009

There are two things that strike me as I turn the corner past the Mowlem and towards the beach: The smell of the sea; and the smell of chips wafting in the breeze. Depending on which direction the wind is blowing, the chips have a smell all of their own, according to the chippy they've been fried in.

The walkway alongside the Mowlem from the quay is always a bit breezy, and turning the corner in towards the town before heading onto the sand is nearly always the most refreshing (or freezing) place.

Yesterday was no exception. We got onto the packed sand, and decided to go for a paddle. I could hear the excited chatter of children as they dug for sandcastles, shells and treasure; laughter and raised voices from the adults; the seagulls, looking out for a cheeky feed of chips, pincer-gripped in the fingers of hungry holiday-makers; and my favourite sound: the sound of the waves, today whispering as they crept up onto the wet sand to clutch at something to take away with them.

We took our shoes and socks off, and tiptoed down to the edge of the water. We waited for the next wave to surround our hot feet, and there it was - the passing chilled grip of the water, the sand sinking down slightly as the water receded, and then the look of amusement on my daughter's face: my trouser legs had got wet!

Any frustration, ache, or problem was instantly forgotten in that moment. Better than any medication in the world. Try it if you can!