This lockdown feels a little different, I think due to the fact that our children, for now, remain at school. Plus of course we can go outside and enjoy the outdoors as much as we like. We also are aware of what the end date is (Wednesday December 2ndat 00.01), it’s written in bold in my diary.
Now for those of you who have read my blogs before, you will know I have a love of lists and this lockdown is no different. I have made a list of things that we want to do in the next couple of weeks so we can explore Whitby a bit more and take advantage of the lovely place we live in.
Sea swimming – Now in the first lockdown, I really wanted to swim in the sea. Once out of lockdown 1, I joined a group and started to do this on a weekly basis, I found it really addictive. As the sea has got colder, I have found I have bought more and more things – first the wetsuit then the swim gloves and now a pink buoy. Now I have to say, before every swim, I feel very apprehensive and almost dread going. The sea temperature is around 10 degrees and it is rather cold especially as we are in November. However once I place my first footstep into the sea, I am so delighted I have made the effort and pushed myself out of my comfort zone. I only stay in around 10-20 mins and I absolutely love it. The tingling of the really cold water and the way it frees your mind of all thoughts other than trying to swim a slow breast stroke along the coast is bliss.
Note – Photo taken below is before lockdown and the rule of 6.
Crabbing– I was very organized and bought a couple of crabbing nets and buckets before the shops closed. I used bacon from our fridge and we spent a good few hours down in the harbour. The best place to go is just by the side of the old swing bridge (10 mins walk from our B&B). Our children entertained us by telling us all the crab information they knew (due to the fact they are in a beach school here in Whitby, they have to hold a crab in Year 1),
If you are interested – Put your thumb and one finger either side of the crab’s shell, just below the base of the pincer legs. When you have a good grip ‘under the armpits’, you can pick the crab up without being pinched. Gender – Crab gender is easy to distinguish: male crabs have a narrow, T-shaped “apron” on the back of their shell, while female crabs have a wide apron.
We caught around 12 crabs and were the only ones down there. It was really good fun although I wasn’t keen on holding the crabs.
Walking– Simon and I spent a good few hours the other day, whilst the sun was out and the breeze was warm, just wandering around the streets of Whitby plus we headed over the to the new bridge, which I have to admit was the first time I had actually walked over it. It helps at the moment that the weather is so mild.
So our weekends plans are fossil hunting – this is something our guests always love doing and we have never done it even though we have lived here for 7 years. Best place is this cove in my photos below– far side of Whitby on the East side. Heading towards Saltwick Bay Beach. Only accessed when its low tide from Whitby. Lets hope we find something amazing.
To be continued…………
Michelle, Corra Lynn B&B, Whitby