Hi

Yesterday morning was pretty grey and dull around here.  I had business to attend during the morning but by the time that was dealt with the weather had really brightened up.  It was still windy but the sun was shining brightly.

This seemed to be too good to miss.  I thought it would be a better bet to walk along an empty beach today.  People who see you in shorts and a top think you're mad at this time of year, especially when they're completely covered in Goretx and fleeces.  If they saw me naked they'd call an ambulance thinking I must be suffering from hypothermia!  So I headed down to Axmouth where I walked down beside the river to the sea.

I walked along the beach to the east and after quite a short distance I found the cliffs were sheltering me from the wind.  There were no people about so off came my clothes and I continued along the beach naked.

The only person I saw as I walked along was a guy on a quad bike who drove past me; he looked like he'd been collecting mooring buoys that must have broken free and been washed up further along the beach.  He gave me a strange look and waved but after that I saw no-one else for the whole time I was out.
Some way down the beach I left my clothes behind some rocks and carried on completely unencumbered.  It was really very pleasant; the sun was beaming down and there was just the occasional gust of wind to spoil things.

I must have walked for an hour or so before sitting down in the sun on some smooth rocks – bliss.  Eventually I reluctantly turned back, found my clothes and returned home. 

I must have been out for about 3 hours or so.  Out of the shelter of the cliffs a strong wind was blowing and the temperature display in the car showed 7 degrees C. 

For anyone who wants to try this stretch of beach; the walking is tough.  You will need strong shoes or boots.  The beach is mainly largish pebbles which gradually give way to rocks of all shapes and sizes.  These have to be balanced on or climbed over.  I rather enjoy it but it is hard going!

Martin