My third morning waking up in Dorset and once again the skies were very heavy and grey. I told myself that so long as it wasn't raining, then breezy overcast days are perfectly fitting for the end of October and grey skies certainly don't make or break the day like rain does.
Breakfast with my Dad was comical because he served up his usual toast, eggs and smoked salmon combo but somehow completely forgot the eggs. And by that I mean that he totally forgot to even cook them, wondering why the toast looked a bit different with just the bits of smoked salmon on the top. Yeah.....cognitive and memory issues in abundance here, and I don't mind telling you I am more than a little worried. Anyhow - let's not dwell on that.
We went out for morning coffee and I took us to the Bull Hotel which describes itself as "boutique splendour", well yes it is rather posh in there so I tried to appear as if I go to splendour-laden establishments allllll the time. My Dad however was most put out by the splendiferous poshness and declared straight away that he didn't like it one bit (too snooty, he said). I, on the other hand really did like it very much. There were fresh flowers on the table, and lots of Liz Somerville prints lining the walls, so I was instantly convinced that I could be very happy sitting here for my morning caffeine fix. The coffee was really excellent, and definitely my favourite so far this week. It was so good in fact that I had two.
Our plans for today involved a bus ride along the coast....
.....and at 2.30pm we arrived in Lyme Regis - happy days!!
I absolutely love love love Lyme Regis, and I have a lot of good memories from my younger years spent working and socialising with friends here. We hopped off the bus at the very bottom of town and began a leisurely stroll along the promenade....
....stopping as I always do to admire the stunning houses. The tall stone house in the photo above is called Sundial House and is now a very pricey holiday let, although I remember when it was lived in by a family I knew at one time.
It was surprisingly busy in Lyme Regis today, I guess because it's half term and there are a lot of extra visitors in the area. At the end of the promenade we made our way around the harbour....
....and because it was rather wild and windy this afternoon we parked my Dad on a sheltered bench and Lady B and I walked onwards around the famous Cobb Wall.
The Cobb is a very historic structure built in the 13th century to provide protection for the boats in the harbour. You can see an aerial view of it ((here)) to get the measure of it. You can see in the photo above that you can walk along the top of the wall, or on the lower stretch and as it was so blustery we chose to keep to the lower part.
It was exhilarating when we reached the very end because the waves were crashing right up against the rocks and Lady B and I both enjoyed an unexpected cold, salty shower. I do really enjoy having a face full of seaspray on occasion, I love to lick my lips later on and taste the salt still there.
Once we returned and collected my Dad we decided unanimously that after the bench sitting and cold sea shower that we really needed a spell in a cosy pub. Right down on the seafront there are a couple of very old pubs that haven't really changed much over the years - we chose the one that we used to drink in many years ago with family friends of ours who lived in Lyme. It was cosy and atmospheric, and we enjoyed our drinks and a bit of a respite from the elements.
It was 4pm by the time we decided to slowly head back along the promenade and as you can see the daylight was already beginning to fade.
I decided that I couldn't come to Lyme without walking on the beach, so I left my Dad and Lady B strolling slowly along the promenade and ran on down to crunch along the pebbles for a bit.
It was a wild afternoon, the wind whipping my hair and causing the waves to rise in great swells. I do love the sea when it's wild, there is a palpable energy in the air when the waves are large and loud and crashing onto the shore.
I ran right down to the waters edge and stood for a little while drinking it all in.
Honestly I didn't really want to leave, but then again I never do want to leave the sea behind.
I snapped a quick selfie of my happy windswept self before turning my back on the sea and heading up the hill. I know it's a bit of a silly photo and I look all fuzzy and soft-focus but it wasn't intentional, it's just because my camera lens got a bit salty I think.
Ahhhh, the view down the high street to the sea never gets old, I do have such a soft spot for this little seaside town. We had a long wait for our bus home as the one we were waiting for broke down and it was an hour before the next one came along. So we stood looking at the above view for rather longer than we had hoped, pretty much until it got dark and we could barely see the sea. It was a lovely, lovely day though, and I shall treasure this time I've spent with my Dad. It was good to see him happy and enjoying being out and about, I think he usually spends his days in a very quiet and sedentary way so my visit brought about a few days of complete change for him which I hope has done some good.
I travel back to the North tomorrow afternoon and I feel ready to return. I've loved my time here this week, but I'm ready to be home with J and the Little Peeps again, I've missed them actually.
So for now I shall say goodnight and leave you with this wonderful Liz Somerville print of the Cobb at Lyme Regis. I do so love her work.
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How blustery and glorious! Your holiady photos over the past few days have left me feeling that yearning for the coastal town where my parents live. Hopefully we can visit in January. I can't remember if I've asked you what type of camera you use? Is it a camera in your phone, or a dlsr? I also loved these old places as many places you visit are older than colonial occupation of my country! A wall built in the 13th century. Wowsers!!
Posted by: Louise | October 29, 2021 at 02:20 AM
Lucy, I have loved your Blogtober entries. I will always look on google earth to see where you are that day. It has been so wonderful “visiting” the English coast!…..and informative!
From the center of the state of Pennsylvania in the U.S.
Posted by: Nancy | October 29, 2021 at 02:19 AM
Love your travels, whether around the Attic or further afield xxx
Share your concern re your dad - take care❣ My dad was 92 when he finally shuffled off, gladly. He hated his decline... love to you & your lovely family ❤❤❤🥰👍
Posted by: Kristine S | October 29, 2021 at 02:08 AM
What lovely things you’ve been up to on your visit, I visited Lyme a few years ago and it really is a beautiful little place and even more atmospheric when the sea is a bit wilder! Love your selfie too, have a safe journey home. Love and hugs Becki xxx ☺️
Posted by: Becki | October 29, 2021 at 01:17 AM
I often prefer a blustery, even rainy out of season walk along the beach far more than a sunny day. It seems so much more atmospheric and invigorating.You can actually go for a bracing walk and feel energised instead of just thinking about it but feeling too lethargic in hot weather to actually do it. Or take time to look and see without squinting your eyes against the harsh glare of sunlight.
Never been to Lyme Regis but it always looks like an interesting place and is a focal point of several novels.
People can slow down when they are older and I think often like it that way. We need to make sure that we slow down and be patient companions. I know my mum enjoys a nice potter now, compared to her past self. To everything a season. It can be daunting when we begin to see parents as vulnerable and we see a need to begin to intercept more in their lives.
Posted by: Sandra | October 29, 2021 at 12:48 AM
Lovely post. I understand your love of the sea, I live by it and I never tire of looking at it, especially on a stormy day. I think your dad sounds lovely, he must have loved your visit.
Posted by: Maypole | October 29, 2021 at 12:44 AM
I am so enjoying your posts!
Posted by: ruth | October 28, 2021 at 11:48 PM
What a nice blog post today. I am happy you had such a lovely visit with your Dad. Safe travel home! Your photos and words are wonderful!
Posted by: Ruth | October 28, 2021 at 11:45 PM
Oh my, how I love your visit to the seaside! My family and I will be traveling about 100 miles this weekend to visit the Pacific Ocean. I spent a lot of time near the ocean as a child and I just love going even now as a grandmother. I always come back feeling rested and refreshed.
Posted by: Kathye | October 28, 2021 at 11:26 PM
I do love Lyme - thanks for your words and photos! I spent many family summer holidays there when I was a child in the 70s and have been back a few times with our own boys. The main beach is very different now - I remember loads of sand, and one year all the underlying rocks were exposed. We used to rent a beach hut and take a little stove to make tea. As an only child, it was great to meet up with the same families every year and have friends to play with on the beach. We're going to stay in the area in a few weeks time for my husband's birthday (surprise weekend away - ssh!) and I look forward to a blowy walk along the Cobb and some fossil-hunting!
Posted by: Jane Deeley | October 28, 2021 at 11:10 PM
Lucy you are just as beautiful on the outside as we all know you are on the inside, loved your blog today, looks like a very happy day for you, loved your selfie
Posted by: Bonita Brocklehurst | October 28, 2021 at 11:09 PM
Thank you for always posting links for further information on the places you visit! The photos are great. That print of the Cobb is perfect, and it even contains the quaint lamp posts shown in one of your pictures! Love that!
Posted by: Jeannie | October 28, 2021 at 11:05 PM