And then the sun came out.

So far, October is shaping up to be very much like April; sunshine, showers and rainbows!
But, if you time it just right, you get a beautiful, sunny, warm (17 deg!) moment at the beach...

Thank you Dawn, for making it to St Leonards today!

Brilliant blue skies at Eastbourne

We woke on Sunday morning to possibly the last day of our Indian 
summer, and faced with a forecast of rain followed by rain and yet 
more rain, decided we show throw caution and homework to the wind 
and get down to Eastbourne beach!

Eastbourne Pier

We always try to park along the seafront at Eastbourne, which is so 
convenient for the beach and a great price for our usual 3-4 hour 
requirements. We were extra lucky this time and virtually walked 
straight onto the pier! Despite the fire damage, it looked amazing, 
stretching out into endless blue sky & sea.

View of Eastbourne stretching out to Beachy Head, taken from the pier

If you didn't already know, a walkway has been constructed along the 

pier to enable everyone to walk around the fire damage and onto the 

rest of the facilities. The damage has all been boarded up, whilst the 

workmen do their magic, and they have created window for you to see in!

Looking through the window at all the terrible damage on the pier.

We wandered up the pier past the shops and cafe which have now 

reopened, until we reached the very end of the pier, except its not 

really the end as if you look down...

there is fishing! You can hire all the stuff, if you fancy a go.

We had to stop for drinks and ice creams which filled the girls up for 

quite a while, and we shared our lunch with the seagulls. Except 

that we didn't actually share any of the food, just the delicious smells.

Ravishing Ravenside!

Walking on to the top of the beach

 This morning mother nature was especially kind - beautiful sunshine and 

the tide wasn't out until 9am so not too early a rise for a Sunday! The whole 

gang came, and we parked on the main road by Ravenside retail park,

 and walked through under the bridge to the beach. Naturally our first stop 

was at the cafe, (which opens at 9am) for a breakfast bap and a coffee.

Rock pools and sand revealed

Rock pools on the way to the sea

The rock pools are incredibly slippy, and the sand is a bit of a sinky 

surprise in places so tread with care and ideally, not in white pumps 

or any footwear you care for!

Sandstone cliffs to Bexhill

  Looking back up to the sandstone 'cliffs' there is plenty of beach for 

everyone, and a hard standing path runs along the cliff base all the 

way to Bexhill (the kids didn't fancy that though!)

Shells anyone?

Looking towards Hastings, across the beach

 Once we climbed back up to the top of the beach, you can see across to 

Hastings and the pier. You can also make out the crane parked the other 

side of the pier, which is being used in the rebuild. This beach is enormous,

 clean and pretty empty all the time!

Magic at Pevensey...

As everyone was home early yesterday, I did a quick dinner and we drove down to Pevensey Beach for a spot of sunset & low tide magic.

Admittedly, it was bit breezy but it was so beautiful it was worth every goosebump! Despite the miles of sand, there were only a few of us on the beach plus a couple of sandy, wet dogs.

The tide had a little way to go (its 0.90m at 20.03 tonight) and the waves looked amazing - when you just want to run in, and skip over each little break -
but you know full well its freezing in there!

The girls just had to get their feet wet as we walked along banked by the twinkly lights from the Pevensey residents who live at the top of the beach. Imagine looking out your bedroom window at this each evening!

Also, my youngest wants to be a lug wormer again...

Eastbourne Pier reopens...

Eastbourne Pier

Part of Eastbourne pier is reopening this weekend and its only been two months since the fire!

I believe that they have constructed walkways that lead from the front of the pier onto the back two-thirds so you will be able to walk right down to the end.

The fun day starts at noon on Saturday with all the little shops and cafes reopening along with entertainment for all! 

And chips, there will be plenty of chips!

There is lots more info at Visit Eastbourne

Battle beauties!

I popped inland today, to Battle, which has a great selection of shops, plenty of space to park and some rather nice lunch options! There is also a little place by the Abbey which sells a table full of beads... Couldn't resist some that reminded me of the beach - earrings to follow!

(More jewellery can be found at Mingels Marvels)

Good morning

To be able to sit and appreciate the beach... #happiness