Northumberland - A race and a visit

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 I slept really well, no sitting bolt upright, and awoke to the pitter patter of rain. By the time I had roused and dressed to feed Monty that had stopped but it was very windy. We had a swing round the dog field then returned to Dame Shirley. Ian was keen to watch the start of the race he would have been running in so, not even stopping for breakfast, we hurried down to the beach in Beadnell  Bay. 

It was a hive of activity, but we managed to spot Gail, a friend from our schooldays, preparing herself. We walked onto the beach and Ian took a hundred photos of the start, here are a couple.



Off they go 


And one of mine


We set off to walk back to the site when we came across a bacon buttie shack.  Breakfast sorted. Being refreshed we had a walk on to the harbour and round to the little point.


From the harbour wall


The lime kilns


We trotted back to Dame Shirley and had just enough time for a cup of tea before our expected visitors arrived. Kathy had been the designated collector of Ian at the Alnwick end, so her, Einar and Sam decided to come anyway. Sam had been cooped up in the car for a bit so we decided to go to the beach first. Monty  drank lots of seawater, ran for England with various other loose dogs, and generally misbehaved. Both of them declined to swim, but they did both paddle. It was a good walk.


Monty running




A quick paddle


Beach fun


Tired dogs



Due to the visit of Einar and Kathy and with it being the Women’s Euros final, we had brought the makings of a barbecue. We had also had the foresight to bring another wire to clip onto Monty’s stake. Ian set too with dinner while Sam explored this different situation. He soon got the hang of it and both he and Monty sat taking in their surroundings.


A couple of good boys


Despite it being a little windy, the barbecue was a great success. 


Preparing


Cooking



Eating

After coffee and a bit more chilling it was time for the Wakrams to depart. Apparently we had tired Sam out.


The journey home

As they departed the Women’s football began, so we sat and watched that. I was even drawn in a bit, and was very happy when we won. Good old Chloe Kelly!


Chloe!

Monty ended up having a late tea and walk, I ended up doing the washing up, then we sat outside for a while chewing the fat. As it was a bit cool we retired inside to watch ‘Mix Tape’ (supposedly about 80s music in Sheffield) on the living room TV. We were eating breadsticks and crumbs in bed are so annoying. 
There was also another lovely sunset. Not long after we retired. It’s tiring chasing after Monty.



Musings

I’m still not a big womens football fan.
Monty has no recall.
Barbecues in Dame Shirley are the best.
I think the Monty paddle board incident people are just across from us!
I feel we could do with a windbreak. 
The children on this site are so polite and well behaved.

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