Hot? Not.

I am somewhat allergic to the sun, and go to great lengths to cover up at all times. Living in Scotland, this is generally not a problem... But today, with the much heralded 'hottest day of the year in the UK' forecast, and a day at the seaside planned, much time was spent finding my denim floppy sun hat (which should only be seen on a scarecrow) slapping on sunscreen, searching for sandals and reluctantly bearing my lilywhite shins. A day at the beach in North Berwick was in store.

As we set off, JR stopped in the middle of the road...
'It just doesn't feel right.'
'What?'
'Going out for the day without a cardy...'

Despite the gathering clouds, I dismissed her doubts and we carried on, cardy-less.

Her words were prophetic. The air conditioning on the train was fierce - a cardy was needed there! And by the time we reached NB, hopefully to warm up, the cloud cover was complete, and there was a stiff sea breeze. The weather app claimed it was 24°, but I think not. In fact - yes - it was definitely cardy weather. The beach was full of families and school groups, huddled behind wind breaks, but stoically making the most of it, as we do. The breeze on other beach was less stiff, so we had a walk and Archie had a frolic (fortunately he didn't find any dead seagulls, as last time), but we did not hang around too long. Home for a pleasant afternoon (with my cardy on) watching a terrific five-setter (Cilic and Berankis) at hot hot hot Wimbledon.

But the trip was still considered a success, because we bumped into an old friend whom we haven't seen for years. She was visiting her sister who lives in NB. We all had a coffee at the Steampunk Cafe - trying to chat over the raucous muzak (will choose another of the many cafes in town next time) - and a promise of a meeting very soon.

This is Archie on the train, ready for the beach. He didn't need those sunnies after all...