Kingsdown beach

What a great day. I woke up at 5.20am and then dozed til breakfast. After a shower we drove to the next door village of Kingsdown and to its beach,which had been recommended by a friend of S's, not least because of the great pub, the Zetland Arms, on the beach itself.

It was another gorgeous and clear day. Scorchio at 28C but with the perfect sea breeze. My blisters were sore so I set up camp all day on a sea front bench (see blip!) and read my new book 'Waterlog', which I'm thoroughly enjoying.

S was feeling more energetic and walked to Walmer and back. Meanwhile , I people-watched and chatted to a couple of 12 year olds who'd cycled from Deal. I said how great I thought it was that their parents let them go exploring. They went in for a swim and to my surprise both politely said goodbye to me when they collected their bikes. What lovely boys.

There was a huge regatta out of Walmer (I later found out it was the national youth regatta) which completed the perfect scene. Loads of white sails speeding out to the buoys and back. And I spotted a shiny black lone seal keeping tabs on what was going on on shore. A young woman rode bare back on a pony, making him dance and canter on the shingle. That took me back to my old pony days. Loads of dogs and brave people frolicked in the waves.

I felt like I was in a Famous Five storyline. I love that English seaside nostalgia and it's something I haven't experienced for a long time....

Once S got back we had lunch from the pub on the beach and enjoyed a cheeky Pimms. S went for a walk in the other direction (towards the scene of a tragic event two days before when a man had driven off the cliff). I stayed on my favoured bench and read, snoozed and enjoyed the views as the tide went out and more people came down to the beach.

S and I then drove into Deal for a walk along the pier and an evening drink in the square and then decided to hunt out some dinner in Sandwich. We did a quick history walk around the town and then happily fell upon a fabulous hidden gem, a Greek restaurant called 'Elizavet' just off the quay. It was authentic and good value and we enjoyed some delicious home made meze and pastries and a lovely chat with the owner (S is half Greek). The perfect end to a crackingly relaxing day.