So here we are, another summer and another summer holiday, although what a difference to any other year. Covid is still gripping the country, although no where near as badly has it had done so we booked a last minute trip to Northumberland to get a break away and spend some time on the beach. As it turned out, we only moved the car once and come rain or shine, we went to the beach, much to James’ delight.

With the additional cleaning that is now in place in self catering cottages, we could not get access until 5pm so we had a lazy morning then headed up north. Without any private parking at the cottage and with it being in, what must be, one of the busiest places in Northumberland, we hoped the parking gods would smile kindly upon us and they must have been looking out for us as we found a space directly outside of the cottage.

Once unloaded, we set about making dinner, or not as the case was as I had forgotten the creamed coconut for the curry. Never mind, off to the pub for tea it was.

After dinner and a pint or two of the local ale, we headed back for the first night away.

I headed out for a run early on the Sunday morning and when I came back I saw the butchers was just opening. The butchers in Bamburgh is famous for its ‘Bamburgh Bangers’ sausages so, unfortunately we had not got any breakfast with us once I had hidden the cereal, I picked up the bits needed for a cooked breakfast. It was the first of our daily trips there. Just to support local business you understand.

After we had feasted on sausages, bacon and black pudding we headed to the beach to explore.

James was in his element. He loves a good hole! We had set up our beach tent and he was playing away. I dug a nice deep hole for him and next thing we knew, he was asking to be buried. With a moments hesitation, ok ok who am I kidding, Lyns and I piled the sand back in the hole around him. Thinking we might get a few minutes peace we settled down, alas, no, he was free in seconds! Can that boy wriggle or what?

After he had escaped we headed into the dunes to explore. This resulted in huge giggles all round as both Lyns and James ran up and down, well more James than Lyns…. He had so much fun, as did Jess who chased James endlessly up and down.

With that our first day was over. The weather had not been on our side but we were adamant it would not stop us. Come rain, shine or COVID, we were determined to make the most of our week away.