I was due to be coasteering with a group today, but although the seas looked calm, there was an unusually long wave period that was sending in some splendid waves seemingly out of nowhere. After investigating the usual spots and some others that I thought might provide some shelter, I had to make the (somewhat unpopular) decision to abort as I felt it was unsafe to get in the water with such powerful waves! We reverted to ‘Plan C or D’ and went body surfing at a nearby bay which was fantastic fun and I was redeemed for my decision. After the cliff top hike in our wetsuits, I think everyone was glad to cool down in the sea!

With such great waves but only limited sunlight at this time of year, John and I raced back to the beach after work, picking up Clare on the way and with my rash vest ‘drying out’ on the warmth of the dashboard! There was no time for any photos, as we arrived with about a hour of sunlight left. The waves were sublime. Glassy water, perfect sets of waves and easy to paddle back out afterwards as there was always a nice long flat period between sets of waves. The sunset was outrageous. Such colours! Overhead, huge ‘V’s of Geese flew by and flocks of curlews skimmed the waves. Well worth the drive (especially for Clare who had travelled from Manchester!) and well worth the grim-ness of wriggling back into a damp rash vest on a cold evening. The sea temperature was much warmer than the air!

We arrived home hungry and tired. As we were eating a late dinner, John texted to say the Northern Lights were out! Incredible! They we not very visable when we looked out, but there was a faint glow still, with the camera picked up better that the eye. Still on a buzz, we finished the huge day by nipping into the Bangor Salsa club for a twirl. A day for the memory banks!