I thought the days when such a gap between postings had long gone [and I know I've mentioned this before!]. However, work and rugby committments over the winter have enforced such a long, un-wanted sabbatical. There may also be some left over baggage from the failed attempt to move west which crashed without trace roughly a year ago.

In the meantime, I can report on long-awaited surf action for Ben and I as we caught the dying embers of the latest short lived swell to reach the Lincolnshire coast. To be more accurate, it was the first time for Ben since our Autumn Cornish trek last year. I'd at least managed a brief splash back in February which quite frankly was so breath-takingly forgettable, I didn't even bother with an entry to the bLog!

As it was, we all crammed into the newly acquired white Fiesta [Suz, Ben, me and Charlie the dog] to hook up with Naips over at Sandilands. The beamer is now history, or will be when the new owner takes it off our hands; whilst the T25 is at last undergoing 'surgery' ready to go back on the road from next month. Charlie btw is a rescued Jack Russell terrier X and also a recent addition to the family. Happily he seems at ease with beach life which is just as well; though it seemed clear that he'd never come across such in any previous 'life'.

The tide [HT 3.36pm] had long since turned when we pulled into the car park [6.15pm] and Naips and perhaps 10 or so surfers were already out. Encouragingly though there appeared to be some waist high stuff to play with, fanned by a briskish offshore. Ben and me were soon in having suited up in record time and making the easy paddle out to join the others.

I'd opted for boots-on, while Ben had decided...been forced more like with knackered boots!...to go without. Short term his choice was OK, though by the time we got out and hour and a half later, mine seemed the more prudent for now. Even so the stresses and strains of the day, indeed of recent times with all the house renovation stuff going on; eased in an instant, even if both our timings on take off weren't up to speed. Fitness happily was up to scratch.

I suppose it took us a good 20 minutes to get dialled in anything like normal, from which point rides, albeit not the most exhilarating because of the weakening swell combined with an ebbing tide; became more frequent. To be fair, the occasional more lively set did come through, and the chances when presented were taken. But I'd be hard pushed to recall any real standout takes. Even so, for both of us, it was great to get back in and hopefully enjoy some more water time in the next month before he and I go on a Boys-Only to Bude in the bus. Watch this space [once more!]
posted by wollocks at 4:31 PM