And the tide went out a little bit more...

 We couldn't believe our luck yesterday, when we managed to catch an ultra low tide with some beautiful sunshine! Having decided to combine our beach trip with coffee and a dog walk, we headed off for west Eastbourne, as the cliffs start to climb. There is a reason for so many benches on the paths from the road down to the seafront - fantastic views like this!

We came out a little way along from the cafe, so it was just a case of deciding whether to join the flow east...

or west!

The tide was so low, the rock pools seemed to go on for miles and miles. For once, it wasn't too slippery or muddy, so everyone could hop, skip and jump across.

We spotted some beach art...

And then headed off to Holywell cafe (cash only guys!) for a coffee, to sip as we watched the tide come in.

Eastbourne's Sunbeams

Ok, so there haven't been many sunbeams around recently, which means when they finally get the chance to fill the sky, you have to make the most of it!

Not many people around - this could be because of the rather chilly breeze on the seafront! Perfect paths for jogging & roller skating though...

The views from the pier are always fantastic and Eastbourne looks glorious facing the sunshine! 

Of course, you have to pop to the pier, and I have no idea how this young man could wander round in shorts! Next stop is a blood warming coffee...

We all love a sunset

Most of us are fortunate enough to have witnessed some beautiful sunsets, some after a hot day at the beach, others after a much chillier day! Several friends took some amazing shots of the Sussex coast over Christmas 2014 and by all accounts, had some great times wandering over the pebbles. 

So, I was wondering... given that you can view a stunning sunset all over the world, with city skylines, palm trees, sand dunes and piers outlined against the reddening skies... what makes a magical sunset for you?

#ittransportsme

A very Christmassy Hastings

On Saturday, the start of the school holidays, we promised the girls some ice skating madness! So easy to book online now, even the helper penguin, and we turned up at 11am to ice skates, gloves and 'snow'. 

Afterwards, we managed to escape to the beach, with some lunch, and hunkered down behind a wind break to enjoy the sunshine and views...

 

It was a bit breezy, which might explain why we were some of the few on the beach!

There were a couple of paddle-boarders, keen to make the most of the windy waves.

 Hastings Beach & the pier looking glorious in the December sunshine!

When you gotta go!

This way to the beach!

When the tide goes out along the Sussex coast, you get sandy beaches for miles, and when you reach Camber its all sand! But I love these pockets of sand which are the perfect pitch for the day - the girls are happy with their shells and sand, and my towel is a lot more comfortable! Always pick the right side of the groynes for perfect shelter too.

The beach was pretty much deserted, even though the sun was out! With no breeze, the sun felt so warm for December.

Ok, there were a few other dog walkers...

Groynes beaten down by the relentless waves! I particularly like the 'pick a stick' effect below, and am thanking my lucky stars I haven't (yet) put my feet down on these whilst swimming.

You can see the whole world! Or at least to Hastings... and to Eastbourne.

A beautiful morning, certainly appreciated by this fisherman, who told me it was a perfect fishing day...

Chilly, but so very beautiful...

I missed my chance to get to the beach on Saturday, a glorious day weather-wise, as I was countryside and pub lunch bound (so no great hardship!) but on Sunday, the skies cleared again.

So, we packed up the dog and popped down to Pevensey Bay. The car park is right on the beach, and is free now until March!

I always love to look at the beach side houses and their gardens. I think a lot of them are used as summer houses, so sometimes look a little lonely at this time of year, but the gardens have all been carefully planned to work with the sea air rather than despite it.

The beach was pretty empty, just a few dog walkers to admire the amazing colours as the sun set. Bruce found the perfect line along the beach with all the shells and seaweed and spent ages having a good sniff!

There is no need to get wet at the beach, said my very wise dog, who was happy to run along side the waves rather than risk a damp, chilly paw!

Finally the sun set behind the clouds which had gathered over the Downs. All of a sudden, the temperature dropped!

Throwback Thursday - sunshine and a spot of fishing!

I have continued to visit our beaches, despite the wet weather which only seems to improve to a cold greyness! I love being there, and there is just as much to discover and enjoy but its not so great on the camera! So instead, I am going back to 2004 ish to Hastings on a beautiful sunny winters day...

As well as all the fabulous things to do along Hastings seafront (crazy golf, trampolines, amusements, fair rides, sitting still!) lots of people liked to wrap up very warm and go fishing! 

It was a bit chilly waiting for the next bite, so we moved along the promenade (with buggy, in those days) to the fishing beach where all the boats were lined up, ready for action.

The all look fantastic in the winter's sunshine, from small but proud...

To bigger and magnificent!

Its easy to spend hours wandering around the boats, as there is so much to see, but mind you dont get in the way of the ropes, seagulls and fishermen!