Favourite places

Yesterday, Martyn's birthday having been largely cloudy, today's clear skies seemed a good enough reason for a day out.  Liking the seaside as we do, we headed for the Birling Gap, a striking beauty spot to which Martyn introduced me soon after we met.  That was a while ago, in times when I could happily scamper up to the lighthouse.  Lots of people there - on a Tuesday in October - many of them speaking German or Oriental languages. 

From there, we headed up to Beachy Head, only to discover that the pub where we'd planned to eat was locked up.  Whether temp or perm we didn't find out, so after a little walk along the 'Peace Path', we hopped (or in one case eased painfully) back into the car and headed down to Eastbourne for fish and chips at the local branch of Harry Ramsden's.  I'm not keen on using chain restaurants, but this one tends to be good, and today's experience was just fine.  Fish in very crisp batter, chips, mushy peas, tartare sauce (I prefer my home-made version) and fried onion rings.  And a pot of Yorkshire tea (doubtless from the shimmering tea gardens of Harrogate...).  Pleasant outlook, clean tables, friendly service, good food, moderate bill.  We don't need a whole lot more than that, really.