The summer of 2018 ...

After the excitement of Turkey not a lot happened but we did get down to the beach at Lancing a couple of times and a first swim in the English Channel happened. I love swimming so I'm quite surprised it took so long. Still Atlantic but such a different experience to Cape Town, and a million miles away from the Mediterranean where my most recent swimming episodes happened. But first, a walk around to check out the surroundings.

Lots of beach cottages, some quite decorated, others just lived in.

A long pebbled beach. When I first saw these beaches I was outraged - how could this be considered a beach? But with a bit more experience I've changed my mind. First of all, no sand, anywhere. Imagine that? Not in your bathing suit, not on your towels, not on your feet. The pebbles also offer a subtle massage and are surprising warm and comfortable to lie on. Not particularly comfortable to walk on though.

The next trip down to the seaside, Judy and the dogs joined us. As with pretty much everywhere in England, as long as you bring along poo bags, dogs are welcome.

With the water so calm and flat quite a lot of watersports were happening. Everyone I spoke to warned against the current, but I have to say I didn't notice any on either of these occasions. I did notice however that when the tide came in, it happened really fast. Pinch myself to not be too complacent xx

Do you see the wind farms in the background? Flying over the channel I was astonished to see the size of these windmill fields (it spans 28 square miles!), especially in one of the busiest shipping channels in the world. This is called Rampion Offshore Wind Farm and is 8 miles off the coast.

This next seaside jaunt we even persuaded Matt to join us (he maintains he was conned). It was a bit later in the season and much cooler. There was a very fresh wind running with the sea horses.