The view from my window today was heavenly: line after line of swell, with a decent wave interval and held up by a moderate offshore wind. Somewhere on the south coast - in fact, at lots of places on the south coast - there would be immaculate right-handers breaking for fun. Naturally, all were off limits, thus proving Ocean Attack's First Law of Surfing: that if it's any good, something will stop you surfing it.
Truth is that I was gutted. I have carefully avoided being proximate to waves ever since my last surf, at the end of October 2009. Not seeing them (or, if I have done, closing my eyes) has helped me maintain my fragile grip on sanity. The fact that a certain right-hander near my house has worked but a couple of times since has helped.
Today, though, there was no avoiding everything I've been missing. Yes, of course I closed my eyes but I could still hear the surf. And when I opened them again, there they were, perfect head high rights, reeling down the reef.
I rolled up my sleeves and did some gardening.
Image of a wave looking very similar to the one I couldn't surf today courtesy of this blog.
I could lend you some ear plugs, but you would still smell the sea and feel the pull.
Still think how lovely your garden will be this year.
Posted by: Joanne | February 22, 2010 at 07:37 AM
Action Man Robin was also a very keen gardner!
Posted by: Sarah Astley | February 22, 2010 at 09:00 AM
I wondered if you might like some tips so here's a link.LOL.
http://www.britishpathe.com/record.php?id=47243
I was tempted to send one of mermaids in the garden but not sure Karen would have appreciated that.
Posted by: Joanne | February 22, 2010 at 10:48 AM
Never mind Alex, same here
Lecture starts 13.00 first sets hit reef visible from office, 15.15 last sets roll through as I roll up to see whats left...
In the photo, you and I both would be the poor bloke slotted about to be dropped in on anyway.
Stay sane, at least you can talk to the plants......
Posted by: gram | February 22, 2010 at 11:34 AM
Have planted parsnip & leeks this week!! How sad is that!! Lx
Posted by: Lucy | February 22, 2010 at 02:00 PM
I'm finally getting into gardening myself and actually fancy a bit of pottering about in the shed. I just need to get a shed and find out what pottering entails.
My wife and I are even planning to get an allotment - we'll be just like The Good Life, soon! (Am I showing my age...?)
Posted by: Richard | February 22, 2010 at 07:05 PM
Joanne's link is a scream!! I hope your garden's 'business-like' Alex. I know mine isn't. I'm terrified of vegetables. Here's why:
http://freakytrigger.co.uk/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/aliensalad.jpg
Did anyone notice the alien vegmeister spoke without moving his mouth? - they don't blink either. Sure sign...
Posted by: Sandy | February 23, 2010 at 02:25 AM
Whoa! I just can feel how you have missed surfing huh. It's alright, gardening can be fun also!
Posted by: Sand Sock Girl | March 08, 2010 at 12:19 AM