We took a journey to the west Lancashire coast on Monday, J and I, and it was absolutely b-e-a-u-tiful.
Our original Monday morning plan had been to go for a quick coffee followed by an attempt at ticking off some mundane chores from our rather long (and rather boring) to-do list. But in a very uncharacteristic way J totally surprised me by suggesting we ditch the chores and drive to the sea instead, and I tell you my heart soared to the heavens on hearing his words. He is not a spontaneous man, and this was very unusual (but quite wonderful) behaviour. I was absolutely ecstatic.
On the way home from dropping Little B at school, we stopped to buy chocolate and some sandwiches, then called in at Coopers Cafe to pick up a couple of lattes which we decanted into flasks to take with us.
It took 80 minutes to drive to this lovely little unspoilt part of the coast, and when we arrived at 10.30 I almost couldn't believe that it was Monday morning and we were actually beside the sea. Yipppeeeeeee for spontaneity!!!!!!! The weather was glorious - it was cold (it is still winter here), but bright, sunny and still.
We promenaded, J and I, for the absolute pleasure of slowly walking, talking, and taking it all in. The tide was right out when we arrived, but that didn't matter - we still strolled out along this funny little built up pier to go and sit on that stone bench you can see right at the far end.....
.....which was the perfect spot for elevenses. The sun warmed my face as I sat and listened to the curlews calling, breathed in the salty sea air, drank my delicious coffee and nibbled on some chocolate.
This stretch of coast is at Heysham Village, a tiny little gem of a place which we first discovered back in 2009.
This part of the coast isn't especially scenic or remarkable, but it is beautifully tranquil with wide open skies and a large expanse of beach.
We wandered along the sand, picking up shells and relishing in the peace and quiet of a sunny Monday morning. I can't tell you how happy my heart was!
Jaunting out on a school day has it's limits as there are only six hours to play with. We reckoned we could have around three hours at Heysham before needing to make the return journey in time to collect Little B.
But that was OK, it meant that we made the most of every minute, and the day truly felt like a gift.
We remembered a time years ago when we came here with Little B during a school day. Oddly enough, I've just looked back into my archives and it was March then too, five years ago when Little B was only two years old. I have loved reading my blog post again from that visit, oh how precious those words and pictures are.
March has become the month we visit Heysham then - I think it's because the memory of all the crocuses growing in the church yard makes me always think of this place at this time of year.
I am secretly wishing for many more spontaneous Monday jaunts as our year unfolds, it really was the very best kind of a day. A visit to see the sea is always good for the soul, and my heart was brim full of happy.
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It's looks beautiful and the joy of being there must have been even greater with it being unplanned! Sarah x
Posted by: Sarah | March 10, 2017 at 04:21 PM
Beautiful post. I love the beauty you share w us in your blog. I'll never come to England, but through your eyes and words it's so fun to Visit😍😍 I have two of your crochet bundles from Wool Warehouse and loved getting mail from across the water. 😂😂
Posted by: Peggy | March 10, 2017 at 03:46 PM
What a great post!!! So very happy for both you and J...a delightful gift!! You are both blessed!!!!
Vicki, KY, USA
Posted by: Vicki Wise Mason | March 10, 2017 at 02:39 PM
I know Heysham from way back when I lived on the Lancashure coast. It was such a haven of peace and quiet after the bustle of Blackpool, Morecambe and the like and much better for all that.
Posted by: Nina | March 10, 2017 at 01:22 PM
A precious gift indeed! 80 minutes, if only, so glad it was sunny for you. Have a fab weekend!xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Posted by: Angela-Southern USA | March 10, 2017 at 12:37 PM
Loved your stroll and blog post with these beautiful pics. I always feel as if I am there too - experiencing it with you! I also had to check out the '5 years ago' post - wow - time flies. Well, between rain - lots of wind - and now a scattering of snow - our crocuses are still a 'no-show'. So thank you for reminding us - spring is around the corner for us too :)!
Posted by: Little Quiltsong | March 10, 2017 at 12:01 PM
That looks like such a beautiful day. We do that on occasion, just pack up a picnic and go. The nearest coast to us takes about an hour and a half on a good journey but its totally worth it. Love your photos too
Posted by: Lindsey Toms | March 10, 2017 at 11:31 AM
Fabulous. The sea is so therapeutic. I'm just back from a swim! I can't feel my feet but my soul is soaring!
Posted by: Emma | March 10, 2017 at 11:16 AM
What a wonderful day, all that sea and space and sky. Glorious. Maybe next time Little B could go to a friend's for tea and you could stay even longer! A real treat to escape in the week. CJ xx
Posted by: CJ | March 10, 2017 at 09:01 AM
That precious Lucy! I love it !! Always we think that it does badly time in uk and it seems to be that not!!
Posted by: mamiyomani | March 10, 2017 at 08:57 AM
wow so gorgeous always enjoy your posts and beautiful photos as usual x
Posted by: Jacqui | March 10, 2017 at 08:46 AM
Monday was a lovely day on this coastline - Blackpool isn't as picturesque as that, though 😊 You've given me another "exploration location", Lucy - thank you! I see a day out to Heysham village in my future, and soon :) xx
Posted by: Jools Morgan-Jones | March 10, 2017 at 08:23 AM
Oh, such a lovely post. I also love the sea, having grown up in Sydney (Australia) not far from the coast & do miss it. Our journey to the coast is probably about the same as yours & I need to go, if I can, about once every 1 or 2 months & it is amazing how I come home so refreshed. I also read your last post & thought the scarf so pretty, but didn't get a chance to comment. Have a good weekend & take care.
Posted by: Susan Smith | March 10, 2017 at 08:07 AM
Oh Lucy, I walk my dog every single day on this beach. Can't believe I didn't see you. So glad you had a lovely day xx
Posted by: Margaret Riley | March 10, 2017 at 07:54 AM
The sea is my soul place. Never been to Heysham so will take a spontaneous trip there myself. Thanks for sharing, that bench looks like a perfect place to sit and do a bit of crochet 😀
Posted by: Jill | March 10, 2017 at 07:37 AM
These are the best days xx
Posted by: Michelle | March 10, 2017 at 07:22 AM
Fabulous photos which remind me to take time & admire the simple beauty around us. Thank you for sharing your lovely photos & what you do.
Posted by: Lisa Robinson | March 10, 2017 at 07:03 AM
Thank you for the pictures from the coast. We had take the ferry to the Isle of Man in August 2016. And I like the blue flowers all around, first seen in Scotland 2016.
And........ the Moorland Blanket is ready!!!
Greetings from Gaby from Germany
Posted by: Gaby | March 10, 2017 at 06:53 AM
Such wonderful pictures Lucy. I'm glad you had a spontaneous sea fix on such a beautiful day. The churchyard is adorable.
I'm a little bit jealous you are only 80 minutes from the sea too. It's almost two hours from here.
Loved your scarf for such a good cause as well.
Have a great weekend
Jacquie xxx
Posted by: Jacquie | March 10, 2017 at 06:37 AM