Moving to the seaside was a decision made more out of necessity and not choice. Just over 6 years ago my husband and I were looking for our first marital home together. We had decided that we wanted to be quite close to Newcastle.
However the sort of house we were looking for (Victorian period features) wasn’t achievable in our chosen areas. I don’t remember how or why we started looking at Whitley Bay but as soon as we did the amount of houses that we liked in our price bracket rose dramatically.
Our home, a Victorian terrace, is a 1 minute walk from the sea in Whitley Bay and I can’t imagine living anywhere else (well apart from the South of France but that’s another story).
I like to think I make the most of my surroundings but this year I really feel like I have capitalised on the good ole North East coast. Since the beginning of the year I have been in training for the Great North Run (see my previous post). In an attempt to clock up the miles I have planned various routes and have pounded the coastal paths of Seaton Sluice, Whitley Bay and Tynemouth.
I have also joined a weekly “Beach Bootcamp” where I have, along with other likeminded (crazy?) people, been put through my paces either on the beach or promenade. There is nothing better, especially after a bad day, then being pushed physically whilst looking out over St Mary's Lighthouse as the sun is setting. Those sunsets coupled with such fresh air is amazing. Its good for the soul! Sadly as winter approaches and the nights draw in “Bootcamp” is now over until next year.
So thats why yesterday and today at the end of September, whilst we are having a freaky but very welcome “Indian Summer”, I have been camped out on the grass above the promenade. Armed with a blanket, chips, sandwiches, water and a good book I have been enjoying the glorious sunshine and blue skies meeting the sea.
Its funny how things work out, after not even being a serious consideration 6 years ago I can safely say now, I love living in Whitley Bay!
