By Sea or Air-Loves Message Will Always Arrive.

Messages of Eternal Love

An almost unbelievable coincidence has left me feeling deeply honoured. Finding a message in a bottle or attached to a helium balloon is considered a rarity. Therefore, to find both these means of conveyance at the same location is beyond remarkable. And although bottle and balloon were unrelated, each carried a loving message from children to their departed mother. Below is Saltwick Bay, arrival point of both messages.

Taylor-Marie's Message in a Bottle

Beginning in mid June, strolling along the beach at Saltwick Bay I came across a washed up plastic bottle. Just as I was about to throw it for the dog to retrieve, I noticed a message inside. Despite my eagerness to read it; its top had become unmovable. On my return to the caravan, a sharp tin opener was needed. Inside, I found two messages. One was a personal message of love from daughter to mother. The second (below) reveals proceedings leading to the launching of the bottle, on her mothers death anniversary. It is signed Taylor-Marie Black. If Taylor somehow manages to see this post, her message can be returned; if not I will return it to the sea next June. 

 Hanna and Nathan's Balloon

Incredibly, as we headed to the same beach, only weeks later, my husband and I found a helium balloon, with messages attached. We discovered it had been released from near Ripon in North Yorkshire. Its retrieval had a huge amount of good fortune. Had it travelled only yards further, it would have entered the salty North Sea and its messages destroyed.Fortunately, the thorny hedgerow it fell into prevented the strong wind from taking it there. It seems that balloon was determined to be found. Perhaps it was the power of love in the messages it carried? Below are the two loving messages that Hanna and Nathan wrote to their mother.       

Despite relating to the loss of their mother, these messages make it quite clear that the love between them can never die. Finding and writing about these messages has left me with a warm glow; I would like to thank Taylor, Hanna and Nathan for that.  

Saltwick Bay near Whitby

 Whitby Abbey

on the Cleveland Way 

Essentially, a secluded rocky and sandy stretch of shoreline, Saltwick Bay is the perfect place to slow down. Only a stones throw from the hustle and bustle of Whitby, it could be a prescribed antidote for stress. After reaching the Abbey, a short walk along the Cleveland Way takes you to the scenic cliff tops that overlook it. Then, after navigating some rather erratic and steep zig zag steps, you are there.  

Totally free of all commercialism, entertainment is found in the natural resources of the beach. High tide arrives twice daily, it supplies the numerous rock pools with shrimps, crabs, fish, winkles and other small sea creatures. Hosting all necessary rocks, fossil hunters find Saltwick Bay to be most productive. Beginners can join a party and receive expert tuition on the subject.

Dogs of all breeds arrive and mingle, they seem to adore the place and never become aggressive; is there a magical ambiance? And although the beach attracts a steady stream of visitors, I've yet to see it become over populated.  Extensively detailed by Google, there are historical landmarks and shipwrecks to visit at low tide. Note of caution, you should always be aware of tide times; the North Sea never arrives late. 

Saltwick Bay became such a family favourite that I was inspired to write an e-book as a lasting memory. I wanted a story about adventurous youngsters who, while enjoying the areas features, become aware of its dangers. But most of all, I wanted to capture its magical ambiance. Sitting on the beach, I  was able to visualize characters and escapades. I'm quite happy with the end result, a magical adventure story, twins on summer holiday, friendly ghosts and a grumpy Genie who lives in a winkle shell.   

So, now I have my memory, a little help back up the zig zag steps wouldn't go amiss. Oh, and remember, if you pick up a winkle while visiting Saltwick Bay, look very closely, you may be holding a Genie.

Looking Down on

Saltwick Bay