Why I love beaches

I love beaches. Vast, wild, empty beaches in particular. Not the ones that smell of sun tan lotion and ice-cream. I love the loud stillness of them, the smell of the air, the way the wind wraps you up. And the colours, from muted earth tones to rich browns and blues depending on the weather. I love the surfers, the dog walkers, the horses, the kids playing, fires and improvised mini barbecues. These beaches are where I go and feel free and calm. Sometimes I escape to them by just closing my eyes for a minute.