Life's a Year-Round Beach

7:00 AM Elizabeth Seckman 30 Comments


Beaches in the winter are better than beaches in the summer.

There. 

That’s it. 

End of post. 

What? You don’t think so? You can’t wait for the first spark of summer to throw kids and pets and beach towels into the car and head off at the crack of dawn? You love clambering over people to get to that perfect spot? You like having to bat away the giant beach ball that the annoying kid can’t control and have seawater dripping onto you by the bodyboarders making their way back to their patch? 


Even as a child, I disliked beaches – I disliked being hot and uncomfortable, having sand in my food and in my shoes and being sandpapered by a rough beach towel at the end of the day. 

My parents would always take me out at the end of the day, when tourists were leaving and the water was blissfully warm. We’d stop to buy fish-and-chips, back when it still came wrapped in newspaper, and it was the best taste in the world. 

When I married my husband, I discovered he hated beaches more than me, so we started taking our dog to the beach in the winter, when wearing wellies and padded jackets meant no sand would come close to touching our skin. The waves would thrash against the shore with the sound of thunder, or within a tight-knit of rock, it would be completely still, almost frozen. There’s nothing quite like the fresh south-westerly wind throwing salt air against you and turning up at the beach café red-faced and exhilarated for a hot chocolate in gloved hands. 

Give it a try, I think you’ll enjoy it. 

As I write the first draft of this post, I’m sitting in the café on the beach where my latest novel, Small Forgotten Moments, is set. I’m at a table just like the one where my main character Jo sat to sketch and enjoy her hot buttered teacake. It’s almost 10am and the beach is pretty much deserted apart from dog-walkers and the occasional jogger. It’s warm, but with a gentle sprinkle of rain in the air. Despite other people sitting at nearby tables, the overriding sound is the soporific ebb and flow of the tide. Just how it should be. 

You can read more about Small Forgotten Moments at www.annalisacrawford.com or go direct to my publisher’s website for all purchase options https://bit.ly/small_forgotten_moments

 About Annalisa Crawford



Annalisa Crawford lives in Cornwall, UK, with a good supply of moorland and beaches to keep her inspired. She lives with her husband, two sons, and canine writing partner, Artoo. She is the author of four short story coections, and two novels.

30 comments:

  1. I agree completely. It's way too hot and humid here to hit the beaches in summer. Winter is cooler and less crowded.

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    1. I love the isolation, and would be deeply grumpy in a crowd :-)

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  2. I grew up in a town on Lake Michigan and still love to go to the beach to walk and watch the water in the summer. Because of snow, we can't walk there in the winter like you can.

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    1. Seven or eight years ago, we actually had snow on our beaches. Foe a temperate, southern part of England, it was incredibly rare. People made snowmen!

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  3. Thank you so much for letting me loose on your blog today, Elizabeth!

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    1. My pleasure! So happy to have you over. I can't wait to read the published edition of the new book!

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  4. Grass would be perfect - I'd definitely be there, with my sand-free picnic :-)

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  5. Great post! I grew up in Florida and so loved the beach whichever way I could get it. Never have been a fan of sand spurs (stickers) though! Sounds like Annalisa has a winner here!

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  6. Hi Elizabeth - Annalisa's book is a delight to read ... it enticed me along as I was really looking forward to follow the story and find out what happened. As for beaches ... I can't say I enjoy going to the beaches here, loved the ones in South Africa - yet it's always wonderful to hop, skip and jump across the rocks ... and I love our English beaches/coasts - Cornish and Sussex ones ... I just hope everyone has a chance to enjoy a holiday at the seaside ... I hate crowds! Cheers Hilary

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    1. That is my new goal in life. To visit beaches across the globe!

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    2. South African beaches sound a bit too warm for me!

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  7. What lovely image you paint! I love the beach in all seasons, but I do go to less crowded beaches off the beaten path. :)

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    1. They're the best kind, but around here it means scaling sheer drops!!

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  8. Welcome back, stranger.
    Oh, I'll take the beach any time of year.
    Nice to see Annalisa's wonderful book here.

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  9. I've always lived near the beach and visit year round, but I admit those visits are infinitely more enjoyable when the beaches aren't as crowded.

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    1. There were images of beaches in the media this year where people were so tightly packed they could hardly move. Definitely not my kind of fun 😬

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  10. With a great book like that, on a beach in winter like that - who could ask for more?
    Cheers to you and Annalisa.

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    1. We've spent quite a few New Year's Days at that beach too - great for blowing away hangovers!

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  11. Love these snapshots! Annalisa's book is on my TBR :)

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  12. I am totally with Annalisa on this! I ADORE the beach in the winter, when you can wander around the sand in your boots and warm coat and not worry about getting it between your toes in your privates lol! I'm not a summer beach girl at all. can you tell?!
    Hugs
    Suzy x
    www.suzyturner.com

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    1. Sand just lingers doesn't it? When my son goes swimming or surfing, my entire bathroom is filled with sand when he comes home and changes!

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  13. I live on the beach and I whole heartedly agree. The beach in winter is perfect. The summer rush and crowds are loathsome! But off season is just right! We love it, and go to the mountains in the summer. LOL Love your newest premise. Good luck and congratulations, Annalisa!

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    1. I was talking to a local beach resident during my vacation and he had the same recommendation. Put your house up for rent in the summer and come back home in the fall. I was sold on the idea. Now, if only there was a way to talk my husband into it...

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  14. It's getting close to beach time for ya:)
    Annalisa's book sounds so intriguing.

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  15. Yes.
    Agreed. I still read the rest of the post ;)

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  16. Agree about the beach. I hate sand. I should try it in winter.
    Congrats, Annalisa!

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