Birds

 Another good nights sleep for me preceded a look at the weather forecast. A bright morning with rain coming in for the afternoon. Would we complete our excursion without getting wet? I decided to try and chivvy people along a bit with a view to having an early start. It worked quite well. We managed to leave the Chapel at quarter to eleven. 

Unfortunately, I left without my phone, meaning most of today’s photos would be minus people. Oh well. 

We took our usual route, but in a move that confused Misty, turned right at the cliff top toward Bempton Cliffs. This is a bird sanctuary with one of the countries largest sea bird colonies. As we progressed some clouds rolled in, but no rain. So far so good. 

The sticks are out for their first appearance of the year

As are the binocs

We soon arrived at the cliffs, and more and more seabirds were appearing over the sea and on nesting on the rocks. Mainly Gannets, there were also loads of Guillemots and razorbills. Plus the king of seabirds, puffins. 

Ian was in his element taking loads of bird photos. There were also, suddenly, crowds of people. It all felt a bit claustrophobic. We did manage to find a nice bench for a picnic though. How good is a Mars Bar in a picnic after a long walk? 

Bempton visitor centre also boasts a convenient convenience. This was where we parted ways with Chris, who wasn’t bothered about the next stage of our walk and was catching a taxi back to the Chapel. 

Ian and I continued on and it was at this point, while viewing a family of puffins flying on and off the cliff, that the rain began. I was wearing my raincoat already, over my two jumpers, but took advantage of the fact we still had Chris’s coat to wear two coats as well. But no worries, it was over almost before it had begun. 

We left the nature reserve behind us and followed the cliff top towards Flamborough. My mantra all day was ‘Ian, come away from the edge, it might collapse!’, as he strode right up to it to get a better view. As we dropped down into the village we got the binocs out one last time. Yes indeed, that was an ice cream van in the next bay. Reaching the next bay involved going down into a gully, and back out up a flight of steps. Miss contrary Misty leapt up them like a salmon. She must have known Ian was going to buy her a 99. 

As we sat on the bench overlooking North Landing, I dialled our chauffeur service. Not long after he arrived to take us back to the chapel. After eight miles my little legs were tired so I had a long soak in the jacuzzi bath.