Low winter sun over the sea. My absolute favourite kind. So ready for Spring now but that winter sun is beautiful. The girls now reach for layers and waterproofs without even thinking about it, so long has this winter felt. Once wrapped up we make the short journey from the car park to Par Beach. Short in distance but not in time as the sparkling puddles which cover the car park are just too enticing for my children. Slowly we get closer, walk up the small hill and there is the beach. Almost empty and bathed in that low winter sun.
Before I can truly appreciate it the girls are off, in different directions naturally, and instead I watch their joy as they run unstopped across the sand. Lyra immediately starts to collect shells, searching for them half hidden amongst the sand, judging their beauty and then squirrelling away her favourites in her pocket. Too quickly her pockets are full and she turns her attention to filling mine.
Athena just runs enjoying the wide open space, the freedom. And then, she spots it. The sea. Her direction immediately shifts towards it and she cannot be deterred. Matt runs to catch her, to be there when she meets the water. Not to stop her but to hold her hand and slow her approach. Our smallest one is fast and even her Daddy cannot contain her. The inevitable happens and a wet sandy knee is sported by Athena for the rest of our visit. Paddling in the sea in wellies becomes more interesting that shell collecting so soon Lyra joins them and I watch the three of them enjoy the cold water. The expanse of the sea. Even my entire world, these three people, looks so small against the sea.
The call of adventure proves too much for my little ones and they’re off again. Finding bridges and small caves we feel like we’re on a bear hunt. Lyra chants it as we walk through the long grass and head back to the car. The cold weather has found it’s way through our layers and it’s time to seek out warmth and home.

Aw I love a good beach trip even if it isn’t for long in winter. Your girls are full of adventure and look like they are having the best time. Such gorgeous photos and words to match. I remember only too well pockets full of shells and pretty pebbles, now it is only me who wants to collect them while my kids are lost in the waves on surf boards too far out for me to photograph or worrying the life out of me back flipping off rocks. I miss holding hands in wellies at the water’s edge, though we always pushed it too far and ended up with squelching feet!
Thank you for sharing with me on #CountryKids
Fiona Cambouropoulos recently posted…Country Kids 17th February ’18
I have to agree, winter sunsets are the best! And your photos of this trip is a proof of that. What a lovely time outside =) #countrykids
Merlinda recently posted…Disappointed
Such beautiful pictures! The beach is such a lovely place to be.
#countrykids
Breath taking photos! I love an empty beach – it just brings so much calm and peace. The sea is very healing. 🙂 #CountryKids
Stunning photos! My favourite is the last one.
Shiju Sugunan recently posted…Hiking at Valley School
Looks like a fantastic place to explore! We love the beach this time of year too espically since it tends to be empty! Beautiful photography. #CountryKids
Mudpie Fridays recently posted…Comment on Mudpies In the Garden – Our Free Play Experiment by Stevie
We all love the beach too. What great photos. I don’t think I’ve come across your blog before, but the way you write is beautiful. #CountryKids
Emma Thatcher recently posted…Can we find the perfect familymoon? Can Simpson Travel handle a family of six? #SimpsonTravelFamily
breathtaking photos! How do we get there from London?
Nigel William recently posted…How to make homemade DIY car wash liquid soap: Recipe with cheap & simple ingredients