To mark my birthday I usually ask that we go for a walk together.  The weather at the beginning of September is often warm and hazy and we always see plenty of dragonflies, which pleases me.  This year, to ring the changes, I decided to ask for a family trip to the seaside which was acceded to with enthusiasm.  So much enthusiasm that we went to Dunwich and Southwold as a taster and hors d’oeuvre to the main course.  I then remembered that Mum loves the sea and hasn’t seen it for two or three years and so felt guilty.  I arranged to take her to Dunwich Heath the day after my birthday treat.

I left the choice of beach to Richard as he had kindly offered to drive us there.  He plumped for Brancaster on the north Norfolk coast which is about an hour and three-quarters drive away.  He said we should have lunch in Fakenham on the way and I agreed!

This was our first view of the beach with the sea some distance away.  The sun was shining brightly but there was a strong north-westerly breeze blowing so as usual I was pleased I had brought my jacket.

This effect was caused by the wind on the sand.

You can also see the sand blowing across the beach on this picture.

It was a lovely afternoon.

Even when the sun disappeared behind a cloud and the tide began to come in it was still a good afternoon.

I love the patterns on the sand.

A warm pool in which I saw tiny fish and shrimps.

I wonder if the limpets were living on the crab shell before it died.  The shell at the top of the photo is a cockle shell.

Once the tide starts to turn it is advisable to get as close to the sand dunes as possible as quickly as you can.  The water races in and if you are stranded on a sand bank it is not very pleasant!  There is a ship-wreck on one of the sand banks which attracts a lot of people and the channels of water are warm to paddle in.  It is easy to lose your sense of time here. Three children have died on this beach in the last ten years.

I cannot identify this bird.  It may be a female wheatear (Oenanthe oenanthe).  It behaved like one, running about on the sand and through the grass catching insects.  I just couldn’t get near enough to it.

I found some Sea Buckthorn with berries.

Altogether, a perfect day!

Thanks for visiting!