The cod fishermen are back this morning. The black Ford Transit van we saw on Saturday joined by a Renault and a Volkswagen on the flat band of grass down by the shore. The van driver tells us that when there are Force 8 gales the cod swim closer to shore for shelter. This is the first time in 18 months we've seen cod fishermen out here so there must be more to it than this. Something exceptional must be happening to the currents as Force 8 gales are ten a penny. It's rained overnight and the grass on the track is slippery. I'm doubtful that the two small cars will have the power to make it back up the track from the shore. Perhaps everything will dry out by the time they're finished ? I keep this thought to myself.
We leave the fishermen and head off into town.
There's sea spray hanging in the air this morning. A dozen oyster catchers are busy ferreting for grubs on the shoreline. We greet Archie the arthritic labrador and his owner and the lady with the Pomeranian. Archie, we are told, has been given a new lease of life by the change to his arthritis medicine. Apart from that we have the beach to ourselves.
A few formally dressed middle aged couples can be seen on the path that runs long the cliff top. Women in fur hats and Burberry scarves and men in long black coats. I'd put money on them being Londoners. It's that time of year when wannabe students- and their parents - can come up and meet staff and tour the university facilities. The parents , dutifully, ignore the weather and stand reading the information displays. These give the history of the cathedral and spell out the mating habits of the fulmars that nest on the cliffs. They study the signs with an intensity that is peculiar to parents of seventeen year olds who are about to flee the nest.
The old newsagent is now firmly shuttered. The windows covered in sheets of black crepe paper.
A rather plaintive notice sellotaped to the windows. Sad to see a place close after 144 years. There again who reads the print version of newspapers today ? What will become of it ? A cafe ? A fast food outlet ? The layout is probably too difficult to turn into flats.
8 comments:
The newsagent's shop looks sad. Black crepe seems appropriate for the demise of a long-established business.
Will it be day fresh cod for dinner tonight?
How sad that another long-established family business has to join the long list of similar extinct businesses. Yes, the black crêpe paper does look suitable for such an occasion.
I remember the joy we felt (years ago) when our old arthritic Labrador, Sultan, was given a new lease of life after a change in his medication. No-one was happier than he was!
Will you take up fishing?
Travel - Nice thought but I think it is unlikely that you will find either of us standing on jagged rocks and pounding waves as the sun rises over a glacial North Sea. Cod from the fishmonger is an altogether easier option.
Wow...the news store existed in three different centuries. Sad to see businesses that have been around for so long disappear.
I'm headed to my fishmonger for tonight's dinner. Thanks for the inspiration!
It is very sad to see the news agent draped in black crepe. I hope at least that the next business in that space lives up to its history. Good news about Archie, however!
Today's photo of the cathedral looks like a painting!
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