Rescue ...

... or exercise?

I was minding my own business, grabbing a quick evening cliff walk at Sutton to make up for being stuck inside most of the day while the sun was gloriously shining, when suddenly I became aware of the sound of an engine approaching from behind me. I got a bit huffy, I must say, even though the Martello tower obviously needs access, none too happy at the thought of someone lazily driving while others were walking. My attitude quickly changed, though, when I realised it was a Coast Guard van, and my curiosity was roused when the van left the pathway and cut off across the grass, working its way up onto a height where it joined other Coast Guard vehicles.

I didn't have the nerve to approach anyone to find out if what the brightly jacketed individuals were doing was an actual rescue or just an exercise. I should have, but I didn't.

Back home afterwards I fed myself and then turned to a check list for the forthcoming trip to Vienna. Before getting stuck into work earlier on, I'd brought quite a lot of stuff down to a recently discovered and very conveniently located dry cleaning and laundry establishment. When I heard what the charges were I did hesitate, and I really should have left and brought my custom to my usual place. Instead, I nonchalantly nodded and took my collection slips, waiting until I got outside again before promising myself not to go back there again. If the clothes look as good as the price is high, then the Viennese are in for a treat.