An early seaside amble

 Friday evenings are when I finalise my destination for my Saturday morning photo walk.

I check the weather forecasts for the umpteenth time this week, there is a chance that overcast skies may dampen any hopes of a sunrise but I will still look forward to my amble by the sea in just a few hours time.

Awake ten minutes before my alarm, I am up and about before the notions of having a lie in are even entertained, I enjoy the first brew of the day and make a flask of tea to accompany me on my walk.

With my train departing the station at 5am, I have a mile and a half walk from home, so leave just after 4am and wander into the darkness.

Late night takeaways are closing after the nocturnal shift and the last few Friday night revelers are making their way home in taxis or stumbling on foot in an alcohol induced fug.
Urban gulls peck belligerently at discarded takeaway boxes, one looks disapprovingly at me as if to say 'You lookin' at me?'.

Arriving at the station, I check which platform I need for my train, exchanging good morning greetings with the station cleaner who is making his morning rounds.

My train leaves in good time, I will be on the beach in just over twenty minutes.

As darkness begins to fade, it would appear the forecast for overcast skies were correct but I will just be happy taking in the sea air and watching the day unfold.

For the first time in a long time, I have brought my tripod, with the intention of taking a few long exposure shots of the sea as it creeps its way up on the incoming tide.

I find a place for my first shots, then just enjoy the swoosh of the waves as they hit the sea wall, then that quiet whisper as the water recedes for another cycle.

I savour these early hours by the sea, that quiet lull before the day begins and the beach welcomes those that have looked forward to their holiday by the seaside for months.

The sea front is the main attraction for visitors, the pier and amusement arcade will entertain some, while others will set up for their day with wind breaks and such on the beach itself.

As usual for me when in Teignmouth, I head for the 'back beach' where the local boats are moored just offshore, or on the more sheltered beach.
It is here where brightly coloured beach huts stand like sentinels for the summer season, of course, I am duty bound to take photos of them.

With the last of my flask of tea gone, the thought of a cooked breakfast at a local cafe is too good to miss, that and a freshly brewed mug of tea, set me up for the journey back home...