THE RAMBLINGS OF A STRUGGLING ARTIST ON LIFE WITH TWO TERRIERS, A PONY WITH ISSUES AND OTHER WILDLIFE AND BIRDS THAT CROSS OUR PATH

25 August 2012

SNIPPET BY THE SEA



Last week we had a reasonably good weather day and decided to head for the beach, something we don’t do as often as we should. Dog friendly beaches are few and far between at this time of year, and we decided on one we had not previously visited: Ness Cove at Shaldon near Teignmouth. The cliffs and therefore the sand are that amazing red sandstone, and when we returned, we all had deep red stained feet.  It was important that Snippet had a good day too as he’s been missing out on our long, post lunch walks during the holidays. We parked in a very reasonably priced car park (a miracle these days), and walked down a long, eerie tunnel cut into the cliff, emerging at the top of a steep flight of steps down to the beach. It was soggy and dark, dripping with red water.


Snip was extremely good. It was his 3rd birthday on the 21st and I think he’s beginning to grow up a bit. He used to rush off after every dog he saw and get into scraps a lot. He was attached by a black spaniel that actually got into our car when he was a puppy and he tends to react badly if growled at, so we’ve have to be very careful about letting him off the lead around other dogs, particularly black ones. However, he was very, very calm and stayed close by and was very responsible when other dogs came along. Here is a record of his day…..










We had a very pleasant few hours and even I went in the water, trousers rolled up, looking for sea-life and scouring the cliffs for wildlife and flora. Lots of scary signs with pictures of boulders falling and exclamation marks so I was a bit careful. Not a great deal about but here’s what I did find:






Common or Painted Top Shell


Tiny, tiny shore crabs


Snakelocks Anenome


Sea Campion


Restharrow

Lovely supper in a pub and then home to stain the bath red with our feet and an early bed after all that sea air. We VERY rarely have days out together like that. My partner is a slave to our woodburner and the chopping to keep it fuelled, so there just isn’t usually time. It’s our only source of heat or hot water so it’s rather crucial that it’s organised. We should definitely get out more often as we all had a great day. Until next time, when we’ll resume moorland service, have a lovely time wherever you are. 







16 comments:

  1. I must tell you, Em, that I loved reading this post. That last photo had me chuckling out loud. This is exactly what I needed this afternoon - a snippet of a seaside visit, in a land I've never been, through a long and rather odd tunnel that takes you to stairs that lead to the sea.
    Wonderful photos to accompany all of that, which is always pleasant. Just lovely ~ thank you.

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  2. Thank you! That means a lot coming from you. Snippet IS the king of cupboard love and likes nothing more than staring at you for very long periods in very strange positions. It is a very strange tunnel indeed. Hope you're feeling better.

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  3. Thanks for sharing one of your rare days out and away at the beach. Loved all the photos ! Totally understand about the wood, as that is our main source of heat, as the propane is more expensive and the heat not as warm.

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    1. Sometimes I dream of switching on heating with a boiler but, like you, the expense prohibits it!

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  4. OOh I want to kiss that little nose!

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    1. He is a sweetheart. I would like to get him a companion though; I think he's be a bit less needy if he had one.

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  5. Lovely pics of Snippers, Em :) Not been to that beach-Will attempt to one day (not a big fan of sand!) x

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    1. Perhaps we could go together some time. It's a very easy beach option which appeals to me!

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  6. It's been eons since I have been to the Beach! What lovely photos.
    I adore the last one of Snippet!

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    1. It cleanses the soul I think, particularly on such a nice day. That one of Snippet is proving very popular!

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  7. What a lovely record of a day at the seaside - it looks like Snippet had a wonderful time. Never seen a Snakelocks anemone before. Seeing your photos was nearly as good as being there.

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    1. He really did. I spend so much time feeling guilty about him being in the car if we go swimming or to Exeter or work, even though he really does have a fantastic life, that it was lovely to see him pottering about having a happy time few a few hours. Do you have dogs???

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  8. Thank you for a wonderful "virtual" day out on a Devon beach. Lovely photos, especially of the wildlife and of Snipper enjoying himself in the surf!

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    1. I'm so pleased you enjoyed it. I'm looking forward to going back there soon. It was very easy to do; no long trudging and lots of room to spread out when we got there.

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  9. When you stay at Holiday Lets in Shaldon, You'll get to enjoy a holiday with your pets. It's a great idea! Enjoy your holidays!

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Thank you so much for leaving a comment. It's great to read them and I will always try to reply.