A ghost of Christmas past ......

Not only has it stopped raining, but we actually have sunshine of sorts. We set off on a long beach walk. The tide is almost high - the least interesting time for exploration, though I’m not complaining, honestly. 

With the tide out, our beach can be stunning, water-soaked sand mirroring the sky. And of course, beachcombing can offer such rewards - crabs, shells, seaweed, sea glass...... Tide in, and our beach almost disappears, the sea lapping - or crashing - against the promenade walls. 

So today as we stroll along the last remaining section of sand, I spot a bush-like heap in the water. On closer inspection it is an abandoned Christmas tree, moving back and forth gently in the waves, a sad reminder of festivities that already seem a distant dream.