We are a hardy bunch of souls who walk our dogs on the beach, this morning was no exception. Forecast of heavy rain and 45 miles per hour gales, we set off with Jenson. As was expected the beach was deserted with the odd brave dog walker. We feel slightly superior and self-righteous, we are out there no matter the weather, enjoying the open air and taking what nature throws at us when all the rest of the world is warm and dry at home. Today was dry but windy and that was a bonus but I was dressed for heavy rain. Spring does seem like a long way away at the moment, the daily temperature is still only around 10 deg C, which is at least 6 deg below what we normally have in May.

I have walked on the beach every day for the last 30 years, first at St Michael’s and then here at Sandbanks and I still enjoy the feeling of freedom and openness I get from the sea and sand, I always feel good to be alive. Jenson was having nothing to do with the wild sea today and choose to explore the dry sand, shells and other dogs instead of his normal swim, I do not blame him, the sea did look like a challenge and come to think of it there was no one swimming except me.