Friday Afternoon Ice Cream At St Bees

We had a rare bit of  near sunshine accompanied by little wind and no rain, so Mary-Jane, Granma and I headed off to St Bees for an ice cream.  Mary-Jane was so excited.  We first went to Hartleys Beach Cafe, for ice cream, tea and viennese fingers.  The sea seemed noisier than usual, I'm not sure why.  The waves seemed louder crashing on the shore.  The sea wasn't rough at all, but the tide was in and was just starting to turn.  I could hear the sea gushing over the pebbles, almost seemingly to jingle them as the waves were going back in readiness for the next crash.


After the cafe, we had a walk down onto the shore line.  We didn't go onto the beach itself, but walked a short distance on the path, which is only about three feet above the stones and pebbles.

Mary-Jane must have really liked watching the waves, as she pulled to sit down and watch the sea ebbing and flowing.

Whilst sat, the sun peeked out from behind the clouds and the sunshine seemed to come directly to us.  I didn't move to take this, it was just there in front of us.  This will always remind me of my Auntie Cynthia and Cousin Fiona.  Always.  They will never be far away from me at times like this.

When we got back, Mary-Jane climbed into the drivers seat and wanted to drive, like Mommy does.  She was doing a good job, she knew where to out her hands - and to put her seat belt on!  I think she takes on board more than what I give creedence for.

Afternoon At St Bees Head

I still have a stinking cold.  Luckily I don't feel as bad as yesterday, so fingers crossed that it is breaking and doesn't linger.

This afternoon, Mum, Mary-Jane and I went to St Bees Head.  The last time I took Mary-Jane there must have been about a year ago, if not slightly longer.  Or was it?  I'm begining to wonder now.  Anyhow.  Mary-Jane was so excited about everything.  So much so that she totally by-passed the swings that she had seen and squealed at from the car.  She announced that she was at the sea-side and at the beach, with out any prompting from me.  She has learned about beaches and seasides and ice cream from telly.  The sea was 'water'.

Once we got on the beach, I let her run free.  She was on a mission to get to the sea.


She did come back when she was called, after a fashion.  She had her 'Cool Dude Shades' on for a while.  I love to see her small footprints in the sand.

The water was soo much fun.  She did loose her balance and end up sitting in the sea at one point.  She was fearless with it.  She wanted to paddle deeper, even when the waves were going over the top of her wellies.  Mr Snuggles took an impromptu dip as well!

Mary-Jane was excited about all the pebbles at the top of the beach.  She wanted to find one for Daddy that she could put in Mommy's bag.

No trip to the beach would be complete without an ice cream!  This is Mary-Jane's very first ice cream cone.  She has only tried small amounts of ice cream, never had a whole one to herself.  She ate it all apart from an inch or so of cone.

We also went into the Hartleys Cafe.  I had a cream scone and Mary-Jane had a butterfly cake.  I didn't think she would want much tea when we got back, but she scranned all her pasta in record time.  She was a very tired an excited little girl.  I have only heard her slightly murmer once since I put her down.  Good, fresh sea air, lots of running around and excitement has knocked her out - I'm sure it will do the same for me!

St Bee's

This afternoon we had a trip to St Bee's. St Bee's only takes 10 minutes by car, a very handy and close beach to go to. St Bee's is famous for being one end of Wainwrights Coast to Coast Walk. I think it may also be noteworthy for other things, but I'm not sure what else.

Here is a view of St Bee's Head, the beach and one of the paths to the beach. It was lovely sunny day with a warm sea breeze. The air was clear and the Isle of Man was visible, as well as some of the off shore wind farms.

Here is a little more info about St Bee's and the Coast to Coast Walk.

It was Mary-Jane's second trip to the beach. She seemed to enjoy it much more than her first trip. We managed to actually get onto the sand. It was firm and wet, so I could push the buggy - handy! We hadn't originally planned to go to the beach, so had not prepared for it. We were going to Keswick, but by the time we got in the car to set off, we would've spent about half an hour there before having to come back to get Mary-Jane her tea and bed.

I took Mary-Jane's shoes off so she could feel the sand in her feet and try her paddling in a rock pool. She took well to the sand, the new sensation of something squidging between her toes. Next time we shall all be prepared!

I then tried to wet her feet, just a little, so she could feel the water lapping over her feet. She seemed to take to it. We shall be more adventurous next time.

Here is Mary-Jane and I. I think it's a lovely photo. One for the albumn!

We headed for the local cafe, had a cuppa and a cream scone before heading back. I like St Bee's Head. In the background you can see rocks. These are great fun to clamber over and investigate rock pools. Lots of fun and learning to be had. And that's before the actual sea is explored!