It is lovely living so close to the sea. Two days ago a pod of dolphins swam by as we sat having lunch on our terrace balcony which overlooks the sea (no houses in front of us, just Brunel’s famous railway line by the seawall below – our terrace is built into the cliff). The dolphins were too far away to photograph, not like a few years ago when they came right into shore and the leader allowed himself to be petted by we Dawlish residents who had gathered on the breakwater (read the chapter entitled “A Mermaid’s Tail” from my book, “The Innocent Flirt Down Under”, if you want to  learn more about the incident). Sorry if that sounded like a plug.

Upon awakening this morning I was greeted by the charming sight of an old ketch with red sails sailing quickly across the view of the sea from my bedroom window. In fact, it moved so fast that I scarcely had time to run and get my phone camera before it was nearly out of view – I shall have to sleep with the camera in future. It was, you may know, another beautiful sunny morning because we are having a heatwave here in England – a perfect day for cycling. As much as Chris and I were tempted to forego working in favour of going off for a picnic, we decided instead to take an hour out, cycling to Cockwood Harbour.

Tourists and locals alike were out early enjoying the sunshine; some had taken to their trusty old bikes, some were out walking their dogs, many were headed for the beach at Dawlish Warren; nearly all were smiling and called their hellos because everyone feels so much happier when we have weather like this. As you can see from my photographs, I couldn’t help but stop occasionally on the cyclepaths to chat to cute little dogs and curious cows in a neighbouring field. One cyclist zooming by called out, “You won’t get the benefit if you keep on stopping, Sally!” (she’s a local, and a loyal patron of mine). I didn’t argue – hardly had time to look around and see who it was before she was gone (managed to snap her from behind) – but I didn’t agree. I always benefit from being out and about, taking my leisure on a nice day. I am reminded of a poem I learnt as a primary school child in Australia…

Leisure