Dave is home and the kids have gone back to school; two big and momentous and yet small and normal events in our lives. I struggled to make the decision to send the kids back to school, we’re still taking it day by day. It’s been a huge adjustment and for the first week, I put everything else on pause so we could just get through each school day. Usually, I look for fun in every day and want to make everyday life special for the kids. Currently, I’m happy to stick to the ordinary and stay home. Thankfully, Dave is back to encourage us and one evening after school and work he suggested we pack a picnic and drive to Broad Haven (North) Beach.
Usually, we go here often and the kids moan sometimes when we mention going here yet again– although without fail they have fun once here. But this was to be our first visit since March. My first feeling was worry but I tried to “change that frown upside down” and feel excited about going somewhere instead. Eventually, I found myself driving on the familiar roads, listening to good tunes as if we’d never been away:
Visiting Broad Haven North Beach
We parked in the large car park (Sat nav: SA62 3JH) next to Broadhaven YHA. Parking costs from £1 for 1 hour to £5 for 24 hours. There is also a smaller car park on Marine Road (postcode: SA62 3JR). The car parks are chargeable from 1st March to 31st October. As we arrived after 7.30pm it was free to park. Both car parks have nearby toilets (there is a charge of around 40p for use of the Marine Road public conveniences). The toilets YHA side are still open but with Covid-19 warnings on them as they are not manned or cleaned throughout the day. It might be worth packing antibacterial wipes, and of course, hand sanitiser if you plan to use them.
We were shocked to see one big change. Can you spot it in the photo above? There is now a fence next to the stream and tunnel. This was a lovely spot to sit by the stream, to take a “beach through the tunnel” photography shot and for the more adventurous of us (such as Danny!) to scramble down and take a short cut to the beach.
Once on the beach, it was reassuringly familiar. I think that’s one of the reasons I love being on the coast. Man-made features change so quickly but natural features change slowly and rhythmically over the seasons. When you stand on an untouched beach, you’re seeing a scene strikingly similar to the sights our ancestors saw before us, which is comforting. We often say that humans don’t like change. Actually change is a part of life for everyone. We’re used to it and we thrive on it. However, as a rule, living creatures don’t adapt so well to harsh, sudden changes, which is understandable.
The girls couldn’t wait to get in the sea. If the tide had been higher, I’d have been tempted too. At low tide, I like to enjoy the view and stroll across the sand and pebbles.
We picked up quick picnic food at Tescos. Caitlyn’s crazy face is to show how excited she was to eat a Sub from their ready-made sandwich range! Her first since March and she really missed them! We missed out on so many things, which weren’t important at the time, but we’re so grateful for them now!
The good old Lion Rock was still in view.
The colours on the beach, coupled with Izzy’s silhouette and shadow, made me think of the iconic “Matilda the Musical” image. I should have asked her to recreate the “hands on hip” confident and determined pose.
I love the beach in all weather and at all times of day, but at dusk and sunset, the beach is especially magical. Okay, I admit I’d say the same at dawn and sunrise too!
Izzy made different shadows. The wonderful Deb at Family Days, Tried and Tested has amazing ideas for taking planned portraits on the beach. She took a mirror to the beach the other day and you can see the results here:
Imagine the photos I could take if I put some planning into it for a change! One day I’ll be organised. Possibly. Maybe…
Izzy and I walked down to watch the girls swimming in the sea. Once I reached the water I really did wish that I’d left my dress at the steps and ran down to the sea in just my swimming costume so I could join them, but soon, I will again soon…
We wandered back across the sand to Dave. On the way, we noticed that the cave entrance is now blocked by rocks. It used to be open, then at one point a gate was fixed, then it was open again, until now.
It’s nice for the kids to be able to have Daddy cuddles again.
It was getting dark so we begrudgingly called the girls out of the water, promising them we’d be back soon, which, of course, we were. Once you go to the beach once, you go again and again (“maybe it’s the lure of the sea?”).
It was a lovely evening and I’m so grateful that Dave suggested it. Life is going back to a new normal and I have to take myself out of my comfort zone and go back to living an active life again. Although this has been put on pause this week as we’ve not been feeling well, however, as soon as we’re better, we’re back to enjoying life again (as safely as we can!).
I hope you’re all safe and well and getting on ok. If you’ve recently emerged from shielding I hope you’re coping and enjoying life in this “new normal”. Lots of love xxx
