North East - Day 4

Up and out, walking north along the promenade (together, it appeared, with practically every dog-owner and dog-walker in Whitley Bay).

The Blyth offshore wind farm was not here the last time we came:

After a brisk walk in biting winds we arrived at the Links Art Gallery. In addition to being a gallery, it is also an extremely pleasant cafe - though its origins appear to have been far from smooth.

While waiting for our breakfast (sausage ciabattas and tea) we were able to peruse the artwork for sale, and generally take in the atmosphere:

We were careful to leave room for a caramel slice (Amanda) and Red Velvet cheesecake (me):

before heading out and braving the winds once more as we set off to L & P's.

P was out preaching somewhere south of the Tyne, but we drank tea and set the world to rights with L before saying our goodbyes and leaving her to her packing, as she would be heading south for a few days before we did.

The view on the way back:

I had guessed that this yellow 'blob' in the sea was a buoy of some kind, and using the zoom on the camera confirmed as much:

Later research revealed that it is in fact an EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) Buoy - if local trawlers dredge up a mine or other explosive device they are supposed to release it close to the buoy, so that the appropriate disposal team can then locate and deal with it more easily - as described here.

Explosives of another kind were being set up here, in preparation for the Whitley Bay Firework Display, scheduled for 19.30 that night:

Past the hotel and, on a recommendation from L, on to the fantastic Cafe 19 for lunch - a Caesar salad for Amanda and a sausage and cheese panini with chips for me (rest assured that my non-holiday diet is somewhat healthier than this):

The meal was finished off with hot chocolate for Amanda and a slice of lemon cheesecake for yours truly, before we returned to the hotel to doze, read or watch TV as was our wont.

Just before 19.30, along with the entire population of Whitley Bay, we headed out to watch the firework display:

Although about a mile from the display, the paved piazza in front of the hotel was a popular gathering spot and we had an excellent view:

Time for a quick 'artsy' shot of the moon reflected off the sea:

and we hurried back to the warmth of the hotel room, yet another cup of tea and a relatively early night, ready for tomorrow's drive home: