After Paula’s fossil-hunting triumph in Charmouth, we kept the coastal chaos rolling with a day in Lyme Regis. Wilko was parked at the park-and-ride, gazing wistfully out to sea like a retired pirate. We hopped the bus to the beach and claimed seaside luxury: two stripy deck chairs for £5, with a 50p refund if you returned them without turning them into driftwood.
🪑 Deck Chair Bliss (Briefly)
There I was—sand between my toes, breeze in my hair, sun on my face. Idyllic. Until Paula, still high on ammonite glory, suggested a swim. Normally, I’m an ankle-deep paddler. But somehow, she lured me in. Waist-deep… shoulder-deep… then fully submerged.
The water was “refreshing” in that deeply British way—meaning my internal organs went into hibernation and I briefly reconsidered every life choice I’d ever made.
🍟 Chips, Choc & Seagull Surveillance
Paula got cold and declared it was feeding time. I stayed in, convinced thrashing about was warmer than shivering on shore. She returned with cheesy chips and hot chocolate. I sprinted out of the sea like a startled seal and wrapped myself in a towel before she’d eaten her second chip.
Seagulls circled like airborne pickpockets. I guarded those chips like they were gold bullion. They didn’t get a sniff.
🦴 Fossil Glory & Tidal Terror
We returned our chairs (50p richer!) and wandered the promenade toward some promising slate cliffs. Fossils surely awaited. The path cut across a tidal inlet, so we waded through—sea creeping higher by the minute. Time was not on our side.
Then it happened. I spotted it. A superb, complete fossil—clearly a shell from some long-extinct sea creature. Just as good as Paula’s ammonite. Big up the man! Winner winner, chicken dinner!
The tide was now racing in, so our “gentle paddle back” turned into a thigh-deep dash for safety. Bit of excitement never hurt anyone (except maybe my dignity).
🍛 Sidmouth Celebrations
We rolled into Sidmouth for my victory celebration: a bottle of bubbles and Paula’s loving masterpiece—chicken curry in Wilko the Wonder Van. From icy waves to ancient rocks, it was a cracking day.
Now I’m tired and drained from doing sod all for three days. What a trip. But it’s back to Bude tomorrow to earn a few quid for the next grand adventure.