The Seaside

Beacon at entrance to Ramsgate harbour

We took a short break last weekend and went to East Kent where we used to live. It is strange how you miss the sea, but only realise it when you come back to it and the laden sea air fills your nostrils. Yesssss, the seaaaaa ! Bright sunshine made the trip a very pleasant one, as well as catching up with friends and neighbours. The purity of the light was also a memorable feature not often experienced here in London. I had forgotten how beautiful a blue sky looks and remembered how the light of this area had struck me when I first came to it at the end of the last century (it feels like such a long time ago). Dreams of vineyards with healthy grapes ripening in the sun.

I didn't spot any vineyards in the immediate area apart from Barnsole which has been there for some years. I am sure there will be more at some time. I know of one or two places which would make good sites.

Things are not all rosy in the area though. The bookshop in Sandwich is closing down, according to the owner as a direct consequence of the closure of a major employer in the area. Preparations for the Open cannot hide the slightly depressed air hanging over the place. Other familiar shops and businesses elsewhere are no longer to be seen. The seafronts are looking slightly more run-down than I remember. Lots of For Sale signs everywhere and not many viewings or sales.

Augustus Pugin's house The Grange in Ramsgate

Pugin's house still looking magnificent thanks to the Landmark Trust. It is well worth a visit. I understand why this is his ideal house. I would be mine, too.

The time passed all to quickly. We didn't have time to see if there were any lapwings or young swans or marsh harriers or to see if there were any orchids still in flower in the usual places (probably too late), or walk along the beach at Pegwell Bay or Sandwich Bay. We must return soon.