Oh we do like to be beside the seaside!

A day at the seaside in September is a real treat. The light is good for taking photos and there are few visitors. The holiday rush is over so even the busiest resort becomes a peaceful place.

And of course the tides are powerful at this time of the year.

Today was Jude, the Undergardener’s mother’s birthday, so we took her for a day at the seaside. We chose Rhos-on-Sea on the North Wales coast as it has a flat, level walk along side the sea. Just like me, Jude’s Mother is awaiting a new hip so level is good at the moment – or perhaps even essential. Equally essential is an ice cream and cups of tea purchased from the refreshment cabin along the waterfront and relished while overlooking the sea.

Enjoy the sea views with us and imagine the sea air getting deep into your lungs accompanied by the smell of seaweed and fish and chips. Imagine the sound of the sea splashing against the sea walls, the screeching calls of gulls and the swishing of yachts cutting through the waves.

Some of these may take a bit of working out! Bits of boats and beach finds.

September is the time for big tides. When we arrived at the sea front the waves were crashing over the sea wall and washing over the path and cycle way. As the tide receded it washed over the steps down to the beach and frothed around boulders and pebbles.

The power of the sea and the eroding effect of salt spray shows itself in many ways. It rots away table tops and eats away at concrete walls making rust leak out.

The sky all day was of the richest blue – sky blue! It was a great backdrop for anything thrusting up into it. Buildings, flagpoles and tall grasses.

A day out at the seaside – what more could you ask for? Perhaps two days at the seaside!