Plan by the tides and follow the sun.



The start of the year always offers the chance of improvements or doing new things. This year I have been encouraged in this, by two of the presents I received for Christmas. The first present was the book 'The Walkers Guide to Outdoor Clues and Signs ' by Tristan Gooley. ( I had mentioned his book about  'How to Read Water'  back in November.) Both books have made me look at my surroundings in more detail and gain more understanding as I learn to read the signs.


Tristan suggests by looking at tracks either in the sand or mud you can identify the story behind them- the picture above shows someone walking a dog in both directions along the sand.


Or these imprints of a seagull.



These tracks however may be a bit more difficult to decipher!


That is unless of course you know the culprit and his habit of running around at speed in circles!





I tried to capture the marks left behind from the tide, Tavi was intent in helping to illustrate it too!


 Or on this beautiful morning as the soothing sound of the waves crashing on the beach was suddenly accompanied by a squeaky ball by you know who!

 I had to take my husband to the doctors for an early appointment this week. It was a beautiful frosty morning and returning to the Bay it was the first time I had noticed the beach covered in a thin layer of white. My poor husband has been waiting for a hernia operation since November. His discomfort and pain has increased since before Christmas to the extent that he is now unable to come on walks or drive the car. 


The other present was a tide clock, which informs us of the position of the tide and has been a useful indicator to identify which direction to go on our dog walks.


It has worked very well until yesterday afternoon when the tide was high and so we headed up the lane and across the fields for a walk instead. My loyal companion managed to find all the deposits of fox poo and came home looking a very brown and smelly dog! I think I would have been better of walking along the Esplanade instead!

I made huge changes in 2016 by giving up my job and finding many enjoyable ways of spending my time. This year I think I need to learn to say 'NO' and not take on anymore interesting projects or causes, no matter how passionate I may feel about them! My aim this year will be to be more organised.  Those words don't sound very inspiring or exciting so I  have taken the words from above and I shall aim to 'Plan by the tides and follow the sun'. Have you made any resolutions this year?


Thank you for visiting, until next time.
Sarah x



Comments

  1. donna baker8 January 2017 at 22:02

    Well I hope they schedule that surgery soon. That's a long time to be in such pain. I loved finding out about the tidal lines. That sounds like a wonderful resolution; I'll have to remember that phrase. I better jot it down on second thought and I'll forget it. On the farm, my son and I could tell tracks and even tell the different methods of kills by bobcats, coyotes, raccoons and dogs. I love nature.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Marie Smith8 January 2017 at 22:15

    The sound of the ocean is so soothing and looks so beautiful. Our beach is covered in ice.

    I enjoy looking at the tracks and imprints in the sand too. It makes a walk on the beach more interesting than it already is, if that is possible.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Angela9 January 2017 at 00:19

    Hope your husband is feeling better. Beautiful frost in the grass. Your dog is a healthy one and seems so happy running around. I am glad you are going to enjoy yourself now that you quit your job. Have a wonderful week!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Things and Thoughts9 January 2017 at 07:20

    I'm quite organized like a person , I think I couldn't live without. Wishing you to find your own way to feel happy and satisfied with your self. It's a constant challenge for all of us. Best wishes to your husband and a healthy and peaceful New Year!
    Olympia

    ReplyDelete
  5. Coastal Ripples9 January 2017 at 08:40

    Tide clock here too although it needs updating with a new moon as it's about an hour or so out ! I do so hope your husband gets his surgery soon. So sad that people have to wait so long for operations now. Hopefully he can then join you again on those beautiful walks. B x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Down by the sea9 January 2017 at 23:06

      We had read that it does need updating. We set it up by taking the high time off the internet so will try and update it using that method to start with. Sarah x

      Delete
  6. Wendy9 January 2017 at 09:39

    Lovely photos of the beach and Tavi enjoying every minute! I still haven't got around to reading my copy of Gooley's book but I must do so soon - it's such a fascinating subject. Following the tides and the sun sounds a perfect thing to do - so natural. I hope your husband receives his treatment very soon.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Rosemary9 January 2017 at 10:39

    Tavi really is a great little character and joins in all the fun. Do hope that your husband soon has his surgery, it is difficult to make plans whilst that hangs over your family.
    I think that you are right to consider just what you take on and learn to say 'no' - it is so easy to find yourself much more burdened than you would wish.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Castles Crowns and Cottages9 January 2017 at 11:01

    I love that someone takes the time to write a book as such; we need reminders to LOOK DOWN as well as up, to take notice of the forgotten, to learn from a stranger's footprints where they've been. And the water....a fabulous subject for enlightenment!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Cathy9 January 2017 at 11:08

    Sarah, I loved the quote at the beginning of your post, but I loved it even more by the end of it. Do you know who said it? Or is it your own quote?! I should have recognized the mystery tracks because Gabriel does the same thing in the snow--run in circles and turns on "a dime" and heads back. And when he was squeaking the ball, Gabriel became very interested. Whenever we have snow overnight I love to look outside to see all the animal tracks. It's amazing how many there are. It looks like Grand Central Railroad Station!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Down by the sea9 January 2017 at 18:12

      Hi Cathy, I picked up the quote from pinterest the writer was unknown. Yes running around in circles is typical Westie behaviour!It must be fascinating seeing all the animal imprints in the snow in your garden. Sarah x

      Delete
  10. Barbara9 January 2017 at 11:54

    Hello Sarah, my New Year Resolution is to be sure to read all your blog posts in 2017. Your photos always make my heart sing, and your little dog is adorable!
    Sorry to read about your husband, I hope the year improves very quickly for him.
    You get a mention on my blog today. I hope it is all OK but if not let me know, and I will make any changes you require.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Down by the sea9 January 2017 at 18:13

      Thank you Barbara again for choosing me. I would recommend other go across to Barbara's wonderful blog and also look at her other recommendations.
      Sarah x

      Delete
  11. handmade by amalia9 January 2017 at 12:39

    I like the idea of planning by the tides and following the sun. I hope 2017 is wonderful and exciting for you, Sarah, and that your husband gets his operation soon.
    Amalia
    xo

    ReplyDelete
  12. kristieinbc9 January 2017 at 16:06

    I love that phrase "plan by the tides and follow the sun." What a great thing to aim for in 2017. I hope your husband is able to get his hernia fixed quite soon. It must be awful if he can't even drive. And that Tavi! Why, oh why, do they love to roll in horrible smelling things?

    ReplyDelete
  13. Alex J. Cavanaugh9 January 2017 at 17:02

    Visiting from Barbara's blog. The photos are beautiful. Hope your husband can get in for that surgery soon.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Down by the sea9 January 2017 at 18:09

      Hi Alex, Thank you for visiting me from Barbara's blog, it is lovely to meet you. Sarah x

      Delete
  14. Art and Sand9 January 2017 at 17:09

    Steve would enjoy a tide clock. We plan our beach walks around the tides. Some of our beaches are unwalkable if the tide is too high.

    "Plan by the tides and follow the sun" sounds like a great idea to me.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Louise9 January 2017 at 19:39

    Those are brilliant words to live by! I really enjoyed that book by Tristan Gooley... thought I keep thinking I should re-read it as I've forgotten most of what I learned from it.

    I do hope your husband's hernia can be sorted out soon.

    ReplyDelete
  16. artistfriend9 January 2017 at 20:10

    What a great post! (I guessed it was Tavi.) Best wishes to your husband and to you for your wise resolution.

    ReplyDelete
  17. artistfriend9 January 2017 at 20:12

    Sarah I meant to mention a children's book called Smelly Bill which I think you would find amusing (Bill is a dog.)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Down by the sea9 January 2017 at 23:03

      That book does sound fun with great rhyming. I'm glad Tavi does like having g a bath, otherwise I would despair. Sarah x

      Delete
  18. Diana Studer9 January 2017 at 20:48

    Plan by the tides
    is something we have learnt to do here.
    Our beach has a long flat shore, perfect for little kids.
    And a rougher more dangerous end with a rip tide.
    I grew up in Camps Bay, where the tide didn't make much difference.
    A learning curve.

    Hate to think of having to wait for needed surgery - hope it can soon be done!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Gerrie Mackey10 January 2017 at 02:57

    The ocean in winter has a beauty all of its own....and of course, always good to see the star attraction, Tavi, running in circles. Very good resolution...I agree about not taking too much on, I tend to do that...this year, I'm going to learn a bit more about photography....I think that will take plenty of time! Hope your husband's op happens soon.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Handmade in Israel10 January 2017 at 10:39

    Beautiful photos, as always! What thoughtful Christmas presents you received. The book sounds particularly interesting. Hope your husband is feeling better.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Anonymous10 January 2017 at 12:49

    Such beautiful photographs, makes me feel like I'm right there by the sea with you. Great clock, too! So happy Barbara of March House pointed me in your direction. :)

    ReplyDelete
  22. Anonymous11 January 2017 at 12:23

    I did smile at Tavi running in circles and his squeaky ball! I used to love following tracks when I was a child and knew where all the wild things lived near my home as a result. I love your tide clock. Sorry to hear about your husband's discomfort. Hope it is soon sorted out. No new year resolutions here this year- my main focus this year is on helping L through his GCSEs and start of A Levels and to get my half marathon under my belt in September. xx

    ReplyDelete
  23. HWIT BLOGG13 January 2017 at 18:06

    Lovely post and lovely pictures...I wish I could move there at once :)
    Have a happy weekend, take care!
    Titti

    ReplyDelete
  24. SeagullSuzie14 January 2017 at 13:01

    Hi Sarah, I saw and watched your sea video, it was lovely and calming. Beautiful photos of the frost, we've had some hard frosts here too even though it's quite rare. I do like the idea of reading water and also looking at tracks in the sand, very much in touch with our surroundings and mother nature.
    We have a tide clock (although we don't need it here) which we got for our last house-very handy. Naughty Tavi...the smell is terrible. So sorry to hear your husband can't drive now, I hope his op will be soon so you can enjoy your walks all together.

    ReplyDelete
  25. DMS14 January 2017 at 18:55

    I love the prints in the sand. So many little clues are all around us if we just stop and look. :) I need to get to the ocean soon- it always lifts my spirits.

    Sorry to hear your husband is so uncomfortable. I hope he get his surgery soon.

    Happy New Year!
    ~Jess

    ReplyDelete
  26. Debbie Nolan16 January 2017 at 20:20

    Dear Sarah - hopped over here from Barbara's blog. Certainly enjoyed my visit. You live in a gorgeous setting by the sea. Enjoyed reading your post and looking at your lovely photos. Will be back soon. Hope your hubby gets his surgery soon.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Caro17 January 2017 at 14:10

    I'm glad you showed us who the culprit was, I imagined a large dog! I'm very impressed with your tide clock, that would have been amazingly useful when we still had my parent's house as high tide in Portsmouth Harbour meant the inland creek would be flooded and impassable by bike or car. Best wishes to your husband for a speedy recovery - or should that be a speedy operation? Current news about the NHS must be ringing true in your household! Caro xx

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Comments are the best thing about blogging so please join in and brighten my day!