Ah, we’re here.
The clouds are in over the English channel, and though I can’t see the French coast for dark and cloud, I can watch the traffic as the lights of the tankers and ferries glitter their way across our huge picture window. And there, in the midst of the darkness of my sea view, glimmer the white cliffs.
We have said hello to the beach, and wolfed a bag of chips each, hot and vinegary from the local chippie.
We’ve made footprints on the beach, and watched the boats bobbing in the harbour.
The dog has chased seagulls and attempted to jump into the harbour. It’s traditional.
In celebration of this once-a-year visit to one of our favourite places: some pictures.
Kate Shrewsday 
Sounds pretty perfect to me.
It’s what we like, Weebles 🙂
Just wonderful pics, love the shots of Master Mac getting walked by anyone that has a minute. 🙂
That tends to happen. And often, of course, he walks himself.
Maddie is starting to look like such a teen. The picture of the dogs eyeing each other is priceless. And, the one of the chips is killing me………….
I know. One look at chips like those and I’m half way to the chippie. It doesn’t help that the fish here are freshly caught…
I want to be there too! You had me at the rainbow 🙂 Wishing you and your family love, laughter and wonderful memories to be made!
Consider that rainbow your personal one, Diane. They always turn up at moments like these. Thanks for your wishes!
Oh Kate, you don’t realize how much your reply echos what God was already speaking to me. I’ve used “my rainbow” in my blog today and referenced your post. Thank you friend!
*sigh.. I wish I was there right along with you. What a stunning outing.. and those chips.. mmmm!!
Yes. Whilst being anything but healthy they do have a way of beckoning, son’t they, Barbara?
Wonderful shots, Kate! Enjoy every salty bite.
I did, thanks, Nancy 🙂
What a dreamy post for me on our hot midwestern day. Enjoy, all!
Thanks, Penny. I’m sure we shall.
Thanks for the glimpse into your seaside visit Kate. Love all the pix — and what a great rainbow!
It materialised almost the first moment we looked at the sea, Lameadventures! I suppose there are up sides to having more rain than we know what to do with.
Or maybe it just waited for you guys to show up because it knew you’d take a terrific picture.
Dreamy pics, Kate, thanks for sharing.
You’re welcome Cindy. Of course, you will remember Folkestone from last year, and the year before that…
I will now add Folkestone to my list of places to visit whenever I make it to England.
It is an acquired taste, Patti. Not the top town socio-economically. But it has a definite character, and one which we like.
Have fun!
Will do, Tandy, thanks!
Proper holiday pics. Reminds me of holidays with the kids. I remember that Dartmouth, in August, appeared to have a tap turned on above it for the whole month, Small things like that never spoiled our holiday:)
The West Country in general seems to be one long water-diviner, Roger. But, as you say, very beautiful and plenty to do.
Enjoy it fully! When Much Better Half first saw the white cliffs flying over Dover (I could say that over and over) she wept buckets. It was because, she said, they signalled that a dream had finally come true.
On a later visit we spent a week at Folkestone, rampaging around all the wonderful sights within easy reach.
There is so much to see, isn’t there, Col? We’ve just done our first assault on Dover Castle for a Roman day…and I have never yet made it to see the South Foreland lighthouse…
Do they still have the ‘ghost’ soldier to give people the heebies at Dover Castle?
Often, Kate, it’s your words that I find wonderfully evocative, but here it’s the photos; a rainy day in Folkestone, how very English summer 😉
Yes, it is,Yizhivika . It inspires affection in us all, along with an unconquerable urge to make a dash for the nearest raincoat.
I love the picture of the face-off. I don’t know that corner of the world very well, it’s always seemed to be mud beaches, motorways, ports and not much else. I guess I just needed to look a little harder. 🙂
The area has a very well-used feel, IE, not like the West Country (if you discount Newquay). Those hop pickers who used to charabanc out of London to the Kent fields- their descendants are still here. It’s a commonsensical attitude to coastal life without the picture postcard prettiness of most of our sealine. But we love its straightforward honesty. There’s no side to it.
And it sure looks like a jolly good time was had by all. Thanks for sharing the photos.
Pleasure, Judy 🙂
Great photos, Kate! You’re bringing back memories of Felixstowe, the Folkstone of my childhood. I can almost taste the chips. Love your posts at letterfrombritain.com, too.-Jillian
Jillian, Thank you so much for coming over to join us here! Ah, Felixtow- the returning point for Michael Palin when he came back from going round the world in 80 days. I have never been there but now I feel I must: if only to celebrate with a nice plate of fish and chips.
Kate, the old pier has been closed for a few years, so I hope you can go before construction on a new one begins. Will you be there for the sunrise like Michael Palin?-Jillian
Wonderful! We share a once a year beach/ocean vacation passion, Kate. I like that. I know that feeing of excitement upon arrival and the photos tell the story! Beautiful rainbow to top it all off! 🙂 Debra
Thanks Debra. The rainbow was such pure chance! A wonderful welcome.
I can feel that brisk ocean breeze and the sea foam on my face.
Good, Amy. It’s bracing and good for the soul 🙂
OH NO! The birds are coming!
Ah yes: well, one bird at least…
Phew, easier for you then. What would you do if a flock of seagulls (the real thing,not the band) mobbed you and making seagull pie isn’t an option 🙂
Fantastic. That is all. Enjoy.
You certainly captured the flavor of the seashore. Not than I’m any expert. I’ve never lived on or even close to a beach or shore, and that much water rolling away to the horizon is amazing to me.