AT GAYTON SANDS

Dee Estuary, Gayton ©SCES 2009



The sands now are out in the estuary

beyond a multitude of reeds and a

labyrinth of runnels, nearer Wales than

England. We walk along the old sandstone

seawall, side by side, looking up as we talk

towards that startling, empty horizon

– midway between Point of Air and Hilbre.

What confidence in the future to build

a sea defence as far as the next parish!

We make way for joggers and dog walkers:

at Cottage Lane, return to a built

horizon – Flint Castle on the distant shore,

Connah’s Quay power station where the river

narrows and Parkgate’s white houses straight ahead.

Always uplifting, always familiar,

never dull, neither shadow nor substance,

this is our fiftieth year strolling this

seaside resort deserted by the sea.

Will there still be a Nicholls’ ice cream each

before we head for home and a tub

of Mealor’s potted shrimps to share for tea?

What do you think?

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2 Comments
  • John Chapman
    March 27, 2011

    Ah, Parkgate, I stayed at (I think) The Ship Inn facing the old promenade and sea wall. Beyond was tough grass and sandy mudbanks for as far as one could see. How lovely to bask, occasionally, in old habits of a lifetime, to pull forth memories of previous walks and the hopes and dreams of yesteryear, to compare with the present reality and the surprises that time has handed out.

  • David Selzer
    March 28, 2011

    Now the Ship Hotel:

    http://www.the-shiphotel.co.uk/