walrus21

It is very cold out there.....

2012-02-08T16:14:00.002Z

..... so I have not been down to the beach. The other day, on the other hand, I did get down there and found a piece of "Sea Art". I know it is just a piece of rusty metal but it would look good in a frame. It was, of course ,to big to move.

On my walk I was looking for driftwood, odds and ends, for the fire and thought I had found a nice log. But no, it was a fossil antler or at least a small part of one. It is about 7inches long and quite heavy . It appears to be the end attached to the deer`s head and would have been a very fine set of antlers. He would have lived in Doggerland before the North Sea was formed and must have been very impressive.

Not a sound to be heard....

2012-02-05T09:01:00.002Z

...what is it about snow that when it falls everything goes very quiet.Even before I had looked through the window I knew it would be a white world. Here by the sea snow is not that common but when it comes it is a rather beautiful sight.

As I write this, a couple of hours after taking the photos, nothing is moving but it IS a Sunday morning.

A little winter sun.

2012-01-25T17:49:00.002Z

Sun on the beach to gladden the heart and make us hopeful for this new year.

Tractors are not know for their swimming skills, paddling yes when launching small boats, but swimming no. Large tyres are not uncommon and have always been a mystery to me till now. I have seen some of the ships working on the windfarm festooned with them using them as fenders. Recycling we like.

This litter bin has been move by the sea and I fear it will never be emptied again as it is too far down the beach for the nice bin men to find it.

The cliffs have been moving quite a bit this winter, nothing major but a lot of small falls.

Back to normal......

2011-11-01T17:03:00.002Z

...... the festival is over and went well and I am now in full recovery mode.

A bit of autumn colour in the back garden on the rose.

A bit of late bulb planting in the front tub.

Winter pansies in the fish boxes to keep us cheerful through the
winter.

Just one more thing ...............................

2011-10-11T17:01:00.001Z

A Call to Action for COAST (Cromer & Sheringham Arts Festival 22-29 Oct)
Coast has been accepted by the NatWest CommunityForce awards, and is in with a chance of winning £6,000 WITH YOUR HELP!
NatWest CommunityForce is a £3m initiative to help local charities, organisations and groups raise publicity, attract volunteers and receive funding. In each of the 158 CommunityForce areas, three local projects will receive an award of £6,000 each. An online public vote will decide the award winners.
If youd like to support COAST 2011, you can vote by following the steps below. Please dont be put off, although there are several steps, it doesnt take very long and we would be very grateful for your help.
Registration:
1. Go to the NatWest Community Force website by HYPERLINK "https://communityforce.natwest.com/user/register/" \o "https://communityforce.natwest.com/user/register/" \t "_blank" clicking here
2. Fill in the online form including your email address then click on the Submit registration button
3. Youll receive an email which will ask you to Confirm your registration. Click on the link to confirm. Youll be taken to the Community Force site.
4. Click on Log in in the top right hand corner
5. Enter your email address
6. Enter the password you chose to use
7. Click on the green Login button
Voting:
1. Go to the NatWest Community Force COAST 2011 page by HYPERLINK "http://communityforce.natwest.com/project/2408" \o "http://communityforce.natwest.com/project/2408" \t "_blank" clicking here
2. Click in the box next to I accept the NatWest CommunityForce Voting Terms and Conditions
3. Click on the Vote for us button
HYPERLINK "http://www.casaf.co.uk" www.casaf.co.uk

It looks horribly complicated but it truly is not that bad and we would be MOST grateful for your vote.

It is all falling into place.....

2011-10-11T16:25:00.002Z

.....even as the workers are feeling the strain. The posters show the three {how did that happen} events that I am involved with this year. The surfers are a joint effort between Liane and me which has been great fun if a little taxing on the techie side.

The 2D show only needs my help in setting up with the rest of the team. It will be fun as we can't hang on the walls and there is no time to set up screens, so it will easels.

The Turning Point is chasing dragons this year so I am madly cutting out plastic dragons so the children can hang them on mobiles.

It is all good fun if a little tiring.

Is this the last day of summer?

2011-10-05T16:20:00.005Z

Someone is looking after one of the Horned Poppies and has put stones round it for protection. It was not me, honest.

The beach was looking lovely and as you can see, I had it all to myself, well almost, there was a couple walking a dog.

There is a feeling of mild panic at the moment as the Cromer and Sheringham Arts Festival is only two and bit weeks away.

There was so much time and now there is none. I have sculpture to finish and little dragons to cut out of plastic for making mobiles at one of the events, and who knows what else will turn up.

Time for glass of wine.

Full moon in golden glory...

2011-09-14T16:02:00.002Z

... I just caught it before it went silver. This does mean the end of summer when the moon comes up over the sea, but it is very beautiful.

Not the best photo in the world but I don't see that many tall ships around here that are in camera range.

Last of the summer surf.........

2011-09-07T15:45:00.002Z

These were taken a few days ago while the sun was still shining. The sea has gone flat for the moment so I expect the next time the surf is up I will be into coat, hat and gloves. There has not been a lot of action this summer so I am hoping the Autumn will be better.

The holidays are nearly over....

2011-08-29T16:40:00.003Z

....The weather has not been that bad this year with many people enjoying the beach. A good year for sandcastles, windbreaks, wet suits and sun cream. I don't walk on the beach that often in August as I find picking my way through the crowds hard work. It is not the people but the crashing kites, the large beach balls, not to mention the frisbees.

The BBQ's go on regardless of the weather, in the true spirit of the British holiday maker, resulting in some strange pictures taken after dark. UFOs are not unknown at this time of year.

Hard work on the North Sea.....

2011-08-20T16:18:00.002Z

.....not the best surf but they had been trying hard. They appear to paddle around waiting for the right wave, get on it and have a ride. And it is taxing. After an hour or so of fighting the sea these young people have need of a bacon butty.

The other morning was all pink and glowing as the sun got up. We do have lovely sunrises and now they are a little later I do get to see them while I`m drinking my coffee.

I am feeling very old.......

2011-08-11T16:44:00.002Z

......I received this road atlas the other day from the AA and was a little shocked. How can I, a mere slip of a thing, have been a member for fifty years, it can't be right. I think I will have to go and lie down with a very large scotch.

Meanwhile on the beach the Horned Poppies are flowering away in all their glory. The little one is in a dry area, as one might expect, and is doing its best after
being nibbled by the rabbits.

This big one is growing in a damp patch and is doing very well
indeed. I did worry a bit as I thought it might rot off as they are plants of dry sandy areas but not this one. It just keeps flowering and forming seed pods.

I am getting better at ..........

2011-07-27T16:22:00.003Z

....... Photoshop.

Text on a picture, no problem, I just have to remember how to do it. Someone asked me the other day if I was still working, I rather think I am. There are festivals to promote and prepare stuff for, carnivals to hand out leaflets at and general running around, not to mention carving. I lead a very quiet life here by the sea.

Doing the photos at home means they get everywhere; still they are almost done, although I think I am running out of ink. Such is life.

We have had big waves........

2011-07-18T16:40:00.002Z

....... now we have some surf and a few of the lads came out to play. What with strong north winds and rain it is not what it should be in July but at last a little sun and some action.

Wild life.......

2011-07-08T16:22:00.003Z

...... this little fellow was bouncing around the sycamore trees looking for food. No nuts at this time of year but the sycamore seeds seem very welcome.

I have seen a rabbit in the garden which does not fill me with joy as it has been eating the buds on some pinks. No photo as any movement sends him or her running.

This is the new bee home, among the lavender, which I bought the other day. It may be a bit late for the solitary bees to lay in but worth a try. It will also house ladybirds and similar bugs over winter.

After the weekend........

2011-07-04T16:11:00.002Z

.......one of the noble locals helps to clean up the rubbish, some bits more interesting than others.

The surf looked good to me but there were not many takers so I guess it was better elsewhere. I did manage a few shots of which these are a couple.

Summer time..........

2011-07-01T07:46:00.003Z

.......and the picking is easy. Living near a fruit farm is far too tempting and this year the crop is very very good.

As you will have noticed I am a bit keen on Sea Holly and have now found another one so that is three so far. I have taken the cage off the one that got eaten as it is growing strongly and forming flower buds; result.

Correction. The moth on the last post is a Six Spot Burnet. I met an expert on the beach who put me right, a charming gent who is an oldfashioned naturalist.

Runner Bean flowers.

2011-06-21T16:39:00.003Z

It is no wonder Runner Bean used to be planted in the flower garden rather than in the veg plot. After rain everything is perking up and growing like mad.

I think I will have to uncage the Sea Holly as it has made a very good recovery. It may be too early to say but I think it may flower.

On my walk I kept seeing these Cardinal Moths everywhere and I wondered why. On examining the long grass I found the answer. The moths were emerging from their pupae en masse and drying their wings in the sunshine.

There is nothing like sitting in the sun......

2011-06-16T16:20:00.002Z

......while pretending to work. I was invigilating at Blickling Hall for the NOVA sculpture trail and had time to take some photos; these are just two examples out of fifty-odd pieces.

Meanwhile my spies have been watching the Horned Poppy which as you can see is going great guns. I might get there to see it tomorrow but I have to help to set up some willow pieces at Welborne. But time is short.

Can one eat too many strawberries?

2011-06-12T16:35:00.004Z

These are first picking from our local fruit farm and there should be many more. Pass the cream.

This is the other Sea Holly which is still in good shape, I am glad to say, and has flower buds developing.

This monster is a Teasel and although they do grow on the cliff this one is in the back garden. I am saving it for the Gold Finches, of which we have a charm. That is the collective name for them.

What it is to have friends.

2011-06-07T16:43:00.002Z

I had asked Bev to keep an eye on the Horned Poppy and take her camera with her when she walked her dog. Result or what?? It really has been worth waiting for.

Meanwhile I had gone to the other end of the beach to check the other Poppy, these two plants are about a mile apart. As you can see this one is having a hard time. I think something has eaten half its bud; don`t you just love deer?

Also someone has taken the basket I had put over the Sea Holly. Not a good day until I opened my e mails, well done Bev.

I think I need a tent to Poppy-watch.

2011-06-06T16:35:00.004Z

The horned poppy is beginning to flower and I missed the first one and will have missed this bud today.

Had to set up sculpture at Blickling Hall Gardens for the sculpture trail which lasts to the end of June. The afternoon was taken up with a meeting for the Cromer and Sheringham Arts Festival, so no time for the twenty minute walk to see how it was doing. I should get there tomorrow.

I think this is cheating but I have put a cage over my Sea Holly, which should protect it somewhat. I hope no one thinks " that's a handy basket" and walks off with it -- we shall see.

Seek and you might find.

2011-06-01T16:25:00.002Z

One flowerhead of the Purple Broomrape in Mundesley church yard, it may be gone tomorrow as the grass is being mown.

I did talk to the man with the mower but spotting it will be difficult. But at least it is still there, if only just.

After a little rain the Sea Holly is trying again so I live in hope that it will survive.

I went for a stroll......

2011-05-25T16:51:00.005Z

...... in the Old Vicarage Gardens at East Ruston this afternoon and saw a lot of colour and interesting plants.

The beach is less colourful but none the worst for that. It is not only deer eating plants on the beach, it is also caterpillars. What with no rain and now being eaten, it`s a hard life for a plant.

Tonight I am eating venison. I wonder why?

I asked the Herring Gulls but they did not know....

2011-05-23T17:00:00.003Z

My Sea Holly has been eaten and I am very upset. I have been watching this plant for the last two years and this year I thought it might flower. No hope now .

A small deer was seen on our lane so I will blame it rather than the rabbits but who knows. Not a trace of the leaves was left.

Grey sky but we have got our Blue Flag.

2011-05-18T16:57:00.003Z

You would think with all those clouds it might rain, but no. I think the clouds have forgotten how to.

The Horned Poppy is doing well and is in bud, the flowers will not be long before they come out.

Having found one rabbit sitting still they seem to be

everywhere. They don't eat the plants I like so I am happy to see them.

Flowers that bloom in the spring........

2011-05-14T16:31:00.004Z

Everything is beginning to flower at once so there is much to photograph. The white one is Star of Bethlehem which I thought I had lost, as the cliff had slumped in that area, but it is still there at a lower level.

I love weeds and this is a Scarlet Pimpernel; it may be small but is very pretty.

Have you ever wondered why the grass is short on the cliff ? Here is your answer. I do see them quite often but they seldom sit still.

The sand martins are back......

2011-05-09T17:40:00.005Z

They have taken over their usual nesting site and are settling in and picking up dry seaweed to make it comfortable. Not the best pics but they do move very fast.

Today I went to find the deckchair which was decorated by the students of Stromness but it has not arrived yet. I presume it is coming as deck cargo down the North Sea which has been a little choppy of late but it will, no doubt, turn up soon.

Talking of the festival, I am on the committee of the Cromer and Sheringham Arts Festival which will take place in October half-term and we are having to do a bit of fund raising as money for the arts is a bit short this year. If there is anyone out there who is interested in helping please go to http//www.casaf.co.uk or to Knifepainter [who is on blogs I like] for more details.

They promised RAIN.

2011-05-08T17:24:00.004Z

We got a few drops this morning, and I mean a few drops, blazing sunshine for the rest of the day. And the garden is desiccated; and after the northerly wind I had to wash the car; this is all too much.

What more can I say, except that I have poured a large scotch and am admiring my tan.

There are waves and there is surf.

2011-05-01T16:25:00.002Z

These were manly waves with a strong easterly behind them.

It was hard work to get out there and the waves were difficult to catch; much endeavour for not much reward.

One tired surfer going home for breakfast, the boys do get up early!

The seeds are growing in the yard.

2011-04-28T17:12:00.002Z

The hot weather has passed for the moment and the north wind is blowing but the little plants are still growing.

I am now learning how to train peas; other people train dogs or even lions but the methods appear to be different. The carrot and stick seems unlikely to work and standing in the yard with a whip and chair will not, I fear, impress them. Climbing peas appear to be born with a fear of heights and would rather crawl and trail about the place than reach for the sky.

So I have put in small canes to help them reach the ropes and trellis in the hope they get the right idea but I may have to revert to the whip.

At last some action.......

2011-04-21T07:59:00.002Z

These photos were taken last week, so I am late in posting. The weather has been wonderful but the sea has been flat so the boys have been out of luck during the holiday. We live in hope for next week.

It is all happening.....

2011-04-09T07:26:00.002Z

Spring Beauty is flowering at the cliff bottom and looking very fresh.

The Sandwort is beginning to take over the sand and is growing apace.

The Butterbur is in fine form with many flower heads. I almost missed it as I always think it flowers later than it does.

The kestrels are back and the sky is blue; what more can you ask for?

The deckchair is done......

2011-04-04T16:20:00.002Z

I have been flipping and printing and ironing like a mad thing but it is done. The printer played up, don't they always, and I had to borrow an iron as mine was to lightweight.

I took it down to the beach for a breath of fresh air before it is put in The C21 Shop until it goes to Cromer. It was fun to do but much harder work than I expected. All that ironing!

Flip horizontal ......

2011-03-30T09:42:00.003Z

To a lady of my age this has a slightly rude sound.

Fear not, it is all about putting photos on transfers to decorate a deckchair.

Then size is everything, getting the photos to fit on an A4 sheet of transfer film, or whatever. I am losing the plot.

The deckchair is for the Cromer and Sheringham Crab and Lobster Festival so it should be fun but I am way out of my comfort zone. More anon.

Meanwhile, spring is coming to the beach.

Last night I went moon hunting.

2011-03-20T08:42:00.002Z

I have a friend with a moon gate and she had seen the moon reflected in the pond. So we set out with high hopes as the moon was full and as close to the earth as it gets. But no, the moon was not playing. It hid behind the trees and would not come out.

Never mind - we had a great evening.

A quiet day on the beach ....

2011-03-09T10:52:00.005Z

Perfect for a little fishing;

sun and very light breeze.

I don't know if they were catching anything but I am not sure that matters.

The Coltsfoot has appeared and has declared open season for the plant hunting to begin.

So after a mile walk over the soft sand [ hard on the legs ] a result. The Winter heliotrope is coming into flower;

this is a large patch just above the tide line which has not been washed away during the winter.

Having just photographed the coltsfoot I remembered to look at my feet so as not to tread on anything of interest and there it is. The rosette of, I think, the Horned poppy. I will be keeping a close eye on this one.

Muddy waters.

2011-02-26T08:54:00.002Z

The river Mun is a bit excited this morning, rushing to the sea, the colour of milky coffee. There is a lake inland which has gates which they open when the water levels are high, hence a surge at this end.

Signs of spring; a celandine trying to flower and small narcissus getting their act together.

A close encounter of the furry kind.

2011-02-19T18:44:00.002Z

The ginger tom from next door [ well three houses away ] came to call. Now this is a very great honour as he usually treats me with great disdain and will rarely stop for a stroke. It was a cold night and he felt the need to warm his paws so, for the first time ever, he sat on my lap and his paws were cold. He did check out Sally's but the laptop was not as comfortable even if it was warm.

It is time to get a map.

2011-02-15T09:08:00.002Z

Norfolk has a lot of roads and the one you can see is one of the larger ones. Most of the network is single track roads with passing places, some are known as three-ply tarmac/grass/tarmac only used by locals. This notice is to help visitors as the coast road has been closed, for roadworks, and the alternative routes are on the narrow side.

Snowdrops putting on a fine show in a local churchyard along with a patch of aconites; spring is on its way.

I have a new friend.....

2011-02-13T09:30:00.002Z

..... This handsome beast (made by Joy Whiddett) has come to enhance the garden. He was made by a friend of mine and is a willow boar. Unlike the real thing he is no good at gardening so the snowdrops have to fight through the the winter rubbish.

I am trying to catch up but the weather is not helping.

A sign of spring?

2011-01-31T17:52:00.002Z

A little splash of colour on the beach, well, cliff bottom to be more accurate. I think I should tell the daisy that it is just a bit early and spring is coming but not yet.

This is ice on the beach from a fresh water spring in the cliff - a small reminder that winter has not gone even if we want it to.

Gulls on the beach.

2011-01-24T19:33:00.002Z

I went down for a walk as the car's thermometer said it was 5c but when I got there my nose said it was minus so I came home.

I was, however, carrying a fish box for the yard so the grand planting plans can go ahead. The spring is coming as the evenings are getting lighter at last.

Orange light on the horizon.

2011-01-22T18:32:00.002Z

The orange glow looked much more impressive in real life and I did wonder if it was a fire. It was quite the wrong colour for the moon and there are gas rigs out there but all was well.

In a few minutes all was revealed as the orange moon rose and lit up the night sky.

Yesterday the sun shone.....

2011-01-19T14:16:00.004Z

.....and my thoughts turned to gardening.

The boat planter still had last year`s dead plants in it so it was looking a little untidy; but not any more.

That was the easy bit; the old tub at the front door needed replacing so I had to do some heavy clearing. All the old compost out and into the fishboxes, then remove the old tub and replace with the boxes.

Pause for beer`o`clock and recover muscles. Then attack the compost bin to fill the fishboxes with richness.

Yes, this has been done and I am writing more words than usual because having sat down I have no wish to move. Next item on the agenda - to indulge in gardening porn. The seed catalogues await.

A moment of truth......

2011-01-11T12:04:00.002Z

.....will she stand up? and the answer was Yes.

This was the worry as it often is with sculpture -- the idea is fine but the balance and fixing may not be. This is only one half of the lady in question but the worst is over.

As I said before she is doing my head in.

A little sun the other day so I did get to the beach at last and very nice it was too.

The new year is with us.

2011-01-04T10:56:00.003Z

All is quiet on the beach and the eclipse hid behind the light grey clouds.

A small wader hid in the tide-line seaweed looking for food and finding it.

The gulls had a post each so everyone was happy;

so all is well with world maybe, have a good year.

Boxing day in Mundesley

2010-12-26T11:32:00.002Z

Don't worry about it, it's normal for Norfolk. The annual dip for the inshore lifeboat or how to get over the excess of yesterday.

As you can see some were better dressed for the occasion than others but everyone had a jolly time. They all went in and they all came out at speed as it was a bit on the chilly side.

In the bleak midwinter........

2010-12-24T14:51:00.002Z

...... only the dog walkers go out.

A little glitter for the season. Happy Christmas to you all.

They tell me that running water does not freeze.

2010-12-18T14:59:00.002Z

Well they may be right but I am beginning to have my doubts. We only have about two inches of snow but the temperature is a little low for the time of year and has not risen even in the sun.

I have been swinging on the beams.....

2010-12-15T18:41:00.002Z

...to put the lights up. (Well not really, I used the step ladder.)

I like the added lights in the windows; double glazing has more then one virtue.

I have started to make a new piece and it is, in modern parlance, doing my head in.

There`s nothing like a challenge to take my mind off the weather.
.

A little snow.

2010-12-04T08:48:00.002Z

The coastal effect has limited the snow fall on Mundesley but we have had some. The wind chill however has been a bit much so I don't go out if I can help it.

Is it cold out there?

2010-11-26T09:28:00.003Z

Yes it is but no real frost and no snow yet. The wind is from the north-west which is helping and not due north which would be even colder.

I know I am a wimp when it is cold but if we are going to have a hard winter I will try to get used to it and get down to the beach more often.

Sun on the waves.

2010-11-16T18:03:00.002Z

Two lovely sunny days but with a mean temperature of three degrees C. Great to look at but all I want to do is sit by the fire and keep warm.

An abstract picture created by accident as the paint peeled off the animal feeding trough. I keep finding these pictures on driftwood and other odds and ends and I think I feel an exhibition coming on for the shop.

I have got a bit behind myself.

2010-11-07T08:47:00.002Z

The yard is out of control after the busy summer, but it has been productive. Beans, broad and french, with carrots and tomatoes and a few potatoes and herbs to add to the mix.

With a lot of help from two friends it has been returned to some semblance of order and is now ready for some horse muck to enrich the compost for next year. Very much a case of many hands get the job done.

I have been moon watching.

2010-10-28T07:51:00.002Z

It is being a hectic week as I dash around doing Festival business during the day. There are many evening events but I am sitting with a glass of wine looking at the moon and being lazy.

The Felbrigg mosaic has been done.

2010-10-26T08:11:00.002Z

It did not rain and the sun shone. The children turned up and fell to the work with enthusiasm while the artists looked on . We all had a lot of fun.

One to make you smile....

2010-10-18T16:38:00.003Z

Chris is my window cleaner so was happy to share the joke.

I have been working on the Cromer and Sheringham Arts Festival so no time for walking on the beach. The Festival starts on the 23 October and runs to the 31st.

Spot the less-than-deliberate mistake .... for the dyslexic amongst us, this should read Cromer.......

I am mainly painting stones.......

2010-10-09T16:23:00.005Z

The Cromer and Sheringham Arts Festival [23-31 of October] is getting rather close and there are still things to do.

The drawing is 8ft by 8ft and is the design for a mosaic which will be made up at Felbrigg Hall, with the help of the artists who are showing in the walled garden. We will be doing this on the 24 October between 12pm-3.30pm so if you are in the area come and join us.

Mosaic design by Sam Robbins

I am painting the gravel as the colours we need don't come naturally in this part of the world. I also would like dry weather to dry the gravel after it has been washed and so I can spray paint it outside. Oh happy days ............. the things we do for art.

Ladies in waiting......

2010-09-30T17:23:00.002Z

..... at last the sculpture is out in the open.

After months of of work in the studio the pieces are out in the open where they should be.

The sculpture trail is in the walled garden at Felbrigg Hall in Norfolk and there are many more pieces to look at; these just happen to be mine.

On my way to the beach...

2010-09-26T08:33:00.002Z

..I found the seedhead of the Butterbur. It stands about 14 inches high so a bit difficult to miss really.

The beach, as you can see, was not available as it was high tide and the north wind was blowing. The waves were about 10 feet but there was a lot of spray so I put the camera away.

They do start young........

2010-09-19T16:46:00.002Z

.......or am I getting older.

Some good waves over the last few days but a real nip in the wind.

The Sea Holly appears to have set seed
so with luck there may be a few more plants next year which would be good. It is a very handsome fellow when in flower.

Play time in the surf.

2010-09-08T10:07:00.002Z

School may have started but they all turned out yesterday in the early evening to enjoy the big sea.

It was a bit crowded with lots of yelling and whooping plus a few good rides.

A lot going on ......... so this is just a taste.

A big swell this morning.

2010-09-07T09:18:00.002Z

The rain overnight had cleared and the surf was up.

It was a big sea with the waves close together but worth a go. This lad got some good rides but also some drubbing from the waves.

It was hard work out there.

The last of the summer sun......

2010-09-05T07:36:00.002Z

......some of the people who are staying in the holiday cottages on our lane enjoying the evening light.

I am not sure what this is but I think it has something to do with the wind farms being built along the coast. It is not the first one I have seen.

The North sea had turned to foam.....

2010-08-30T17:17:00.002Z

....and had churned itself up overnight and got itself into a right lather. The gate had been closed which is very unusual this early in the season. It was not a very high tide but a lot of wind was driving the sea up the beach.

A shot of my workshop where outdoor sculpture is in production, and I mean production, as the summer is nearly over and I am behind myself.

Some of the smaller pieces are going to Blickling Gardens tomorrow and the larger ones to Felbrigg walled garden in October.

Black and white flag means surfers only.....

2010-08-25T10:52:00.003Z

....... so no swimmers in this area.

The life guard was out there on his rescue board floating around enjoying the swell.

The boys were catching the waves, often two at a time.

I must have a word with them because if they all stand up at once I don't know which one to follow and end up missing them all.

Red seaweed all over the beach.

2010-08-23T10:22:00.002Z

This is one of the signs that summer is coming to an end.

Ater some heavy rain I got a shot of the beach huts in a large puddle, just what I needed for an exhibition in October.

More action from Tuesday

2010-08-21T07:52:00.002Z

Having taken more than two hundred photos it takes some time to go through them all so here are a few more.

Wait for me....

2010-08-17T12:42:00.002Z

...It was all happening this morning.

After a miserable weekend the surf got its act together.

The boys were out in force riding the swell and even one of the lifeguards took out the yellow rescue board for a bit of fun.

We were forecast surf....

2010-08-15T16:06:00.002Z

.... so the big boys turned up, but no, the waves were too small; nice new-looking red board.

A very small Sea Rocket in flower. The dry spring and summer has really not suited them this year.

I have been invaded.....

2010-08-11T16:04:00.002Z

.... in the comments by someone banging on about Tiffany Lamps, they are not my thing so here is some stained glass instead.

I know I have not been around much, sorry about that, I hope normal service can be maintained.

Two plants from the cliff bottom:

Prickly Saltwort, which I thought might have been Sea Rocket when it was much younger, but no.

The Sea Rocket has not appeared this year so fewer butterflies.

The second plant is Tansy and has at last come into flower.

Nice board....

2010-07-23T16:00:00.003Z

The first surf for ages so the locals turned out, some a little out of practice.

After the rain last night the sun came back after a grey day and we are having a Mundesley evening.

The gulls are all at sea..........

2010-07-19T17:27:00.003Z

The cricket, don't ask which one, was a bit of a surprise as I have not seen one anywhere for years.

The common blue butterflies and a friend seem to like the sea holly as much as I do. For the record I have now found three of them but only this one is flowering.

Hot...Hot ....Hot .........

2010-07-11T08:33:00.002Z

The sun is shining and the temperature has gone through the roof, even down by the sea. The sea has gone blue and looks like the Med.

I know the people on the beach want the sun but I would like a bit of rain overnight, we have none for weeks.

At last I have found another Sea Holly ( last year`s example got buried under a cliff fall).

The Horned Poppy from last year is still missing but I will keep looking.

Where does all the time go?

2010-07-05T14:15:00.002Z

Playing with photoshop while I got over a summer cold, not what I wanted with all this lovely weather.

I got back on the beach today to find everything has been flowering without me.

Common Centaury is looking pretty in the sun and the delicate Hare's-foot Clover was gently nodding in the breeze. It is very dry down there and some rain would be nice, overnight if possible.

Strange plants......

2010-06-25T16:06:00.002Z

The Giant Hogweed is doing too well on the bank opposite the back door, anyone got a machete? I know some people think they are handsome but they seed everywhere and I think they are a pest.

To be told about a rare plant is for me very exciting but to see a whole field of them is almost too much.

This is the Purple Broomrape in all its glory and this is the first time I have ever seen it in the flesh, never mind several hundred of them. It has been recorded in Mundesley but these are in a nearby village, not on my patch. I also understand it is an endangered species so I have been very lucky to see it.

After the north wind has summer come at last?

2010-06-22T14:42:00.003Z

Grasses make a change from flowers and I seem to have five or six different ones in the back garden. As you can see the bank needs cutting but it has been looking good if a bit wild.

The North Sea is as ever but looking more inviting in the sun than of late.

It was a bit crowded this morning.

2010-06-13T16:16:00.004Z

Can anyone see a wave or are we just hanging out?

Nice one .............. but after you, Clive, or we will bump into each other.

Even in the water a girl has to keep her hair just so.

A grass and two more flowers.

2010-06-09T17:33:00.002Z

This is Wall Barley growing on the road edge near the Life Boat station, not Sea Barley which is blue green.

The Tree Lupin is now growing on my patch, above the crab boats, last year I could only find it further along the cliff towards Comer.

The Bird`s-foot Trefoil is all over the cliffs looking very bright and jolly. For the record I saw my first Painted Lady today so summer is almost here.

Some they lose, some they win ....

2010-06-01T11:15:00.002Z

The surf was not at its best but the boys were out in force.

No sun, but not too cold, so the sea is not sparkling to give that added glamour to the pics.

One of the Hawkweeds

2010-05-28T16:42:00.002Z

If anyone knows WHICH one I would love to know.

Do you remember the plastic ducks which were floating around the world, having escaped from a container? That was my first thought but no, it was a lot of pieces of insulating foam. I found one piece on the beach this morning ........ the rest must be heading for Suffolk.

Flowers are coming out on the beach.

2010-05-26T19:56:00.002Z

Star of Bethlehem has survived a small cliff fall. I thought it would have gone, but it made it if a bit lower down the cliff.

The roses are flowering as are all sorts of other plants. There will be more photos over the next few days.

Surf is getting up as the tide comes in.

2010-05-25T14:37:00.002Z

The White Campion is flowering; one of the few in this area.

The Sandwort is doing its flowers which although modest are very sweet, and the Creeping Buttercup is pretending the sand is a meadow.

A quiet evening thinking of friends ...........

2010-05-21T16:20:00.002Z

Forget-me-nots at East Rust0n garden which seem fitting for my mood.

The Holly Blue was on the beach in the morning sun - one of the first I have seen.

My favourite flower.

2010-05-17T16:10:00.003Z

Molly the witch is flowering in the garden, just the two flowers and looking very lovely.

As it is Monday it must washing day for the inshore lifeboat, the result is a colourful range of kit drying in the sun.

The sandwort is taking over the sand.

2010-05-13T16:20:00.002Z

This little plant is getting everywhere so I watch where I walk, but as I am looking for new plants at this time year this is not a problem.

This little fellow is a Common Sandpiper on its way north to breed. Why is it that a lot of birds that are not often seen are called common and those that seem to be everywhere are not?

It is cold so I have been looking for firewood.

2010-05-09T08:36:00.002Z

The odd plank appears and I advance in hope but no .......... it is covered with paint, nay encrusted, so not burnable.

On the other hand it has given me some rather good abstracts to warm the soul if not the body.

The wind was a bit sharp..

2010-05-04T16:13:00.002Z

...and on the chilly side. The sea was roaring in and making a lot of foam. The sun was nice after the heavy showers of yesterday.

Who knows why but this chap was circling overhead this afternoon .............................. so I had to take a photo.

It rained last night.

2010-05-01T18:03:00.002Z

A small tortoiseshell butterfly braved the morning sun, not looking too happy. It`s one of the early butterflies to be around.

I know this looks a bit odd but might it be the first leaves of a Sea Holly. The one I found last year is now under tons of sand thanks to a cliff slide. I will keep an eye on it.

The Sandwort is reclaiming the soft sand at the bottom of the cliff, so you have to look where you walk.

Some mornings ......

2010-04-28T09:09:00.002Z

.................... you have to get up early to catch the sky. This was taken from the back door; it might have been better from the beach, but I was not dressed. It was just after five o'clock and I have not altered the colours, it really did look like this.

The Marsh marigold has turned up on the river bank for the first time this year and is looking very pleased with itself.

Mundesley's answer to the punt.

2010-04-27T09:54:00.002Z

Not enough surf? No problem, get a paddle and ride the small waves. It is warm this morning so the wet suit is at half mast, you just have to get the tan.

At the other end of the beach the sand martins are setting up home. Lots of action and noise as they work out who gets which hole in the cliff. There are other holes further along the cliff but they don't seem to like them, wrong side of the track I presume.

All together now ........... best foot forward

2010-04-23T08:41:00.003Z

These oystercatchers are in step on the sand looking for food.

The Dandelion may be a weed in gardens but it really is a very handsome flower.

No surf today, the sea has gone very quiet, so one more picture from the other day.

The boys are back......

2010-04-21T14:04:00.003Z

The surf is running at Mundesley and three lads were out having a go.

I braved the north-easterly to get some pics, my fingers were frozen but it was worth it.

More pics later in the week if the surf holds.

The return of the beach huts.

2010-04-20T08:57:00.002Z

It may not look very dignified but a forklift truck is the only way to make the descent.

The huts have been away on their holidays for the winter and have returned to enjoy the Mundesley sunshine.

As you can see, it is a lovely sunny morning but with a brisk north- westerly so I did not stay long.

It may be warmer after lunch.

Colour in the sky.

2010-04-19T09:12:00.002Z

The sunset last night had a gentle hue for the first time in some time ...... is this the ash?

The sunrise also was quite colourful this morning but that is not so unusual at this time of year. A bit of colour in the sky is perhaps the only good thing to come out of this volcano.

It does make you think how dependent we all are on technology and how powerful nature is.

Springbeauty not yet in flower.

2010-04-17T08:45:00.002Z

This little annual was looking very fresh in the morning sun.

An empty sky, no planes, it all seemed rather strange.

It's not that I can hear the sound of planes, because of the sea, but no traces in the sky was odd.

Here is a small web of a funnel spider with the morning dew on it, one of many on the cliff.

You don't often find a thrush's anvil.

2010-04-13T13:29:00.002Z

These are not your ordinary garden snails but the banded snails that live in the grass on the cliff. They have pretty shells and I understand surveys are done to check their numbers. The thrush did not know this so it ate them.

The Buckthorn is coming into leaf and looking rather handsome.

A Mayweed is taking over a small patch of bare cliff. There are many of these after the mud slides we had over the winter.

I shall watch with interest to see what grows on them.

Early evening sunshine.

2010-04-10T17:34:00.002Z

The sea is looking beautiful and is a flat calm, as the fishermen say.

It has been a warm day and I have slight sunburn on my arms.

You don't think of factor 20 this early in the season.

The ducks were back feeding in the stream, the drake is looking very dapper.

I see no ships.

2010-04-09T08:43:00.002Z

Sitting in the sun looking at the sea, not a bad occupation on a lovely day. I think I might do the same...........

The Allium triquetrum [three-cornered leek] is in flower at last, rather later than usual.

It`s not a common plant but Mundesley seems to have most of them.