This is the face of a dog who has had too much of a good thing. For the second time in a week, a really popular beach was empty at the end of our morning walk. Hugo has a dogged obsession with clearing the sea margin of seaweed. He can contentedly do that for hours. I can also contently read a book for a similar time. Lola has just taken up sea swimming but does not have the dedication to it that Hugo and I have to books and seaweed.

She tried feigning interest but by the time I took this photo she was done.

Thankfully we can all appreciate a sofa in a coffee shop for a similar amount of time.

Which was our next destination. No rain in a coffee shop. Rain was what added to the walk, in both time and expense. We are halfway through April approaching my favourite month of May. But my morning dog walks still have unpredictable aspects of winter. Thermal underwear, a sudden need to seek shelter and a very good chance of being drenched. But lighter mornings encourage me to go further and sit on beaches. I do not think I can ever recall such a soggy approach to May, by now the thermals should remain in the drawer, and Birkenstock blisters should be done for the season. Coffee shop stops should be a choice not a refuge.