Almost winter

Two weeks ago I went to Sheringham to see Craig. The seaside town had changed so much since my last visit a month before. It was clear to see that it was quickly approaching winter. The weather had taken a turn for the worse, cold and windy, and the town was close to empty. On my last visit it had been sunny, warm and very busy but now there was a cruel wind coming off the see front and the streets were close to deserted. The town was starting to close down and go into hibernation.

In this respect some seaside towns remind me of a hedgehog – not because they are prickly and full of parasites but because they sleep for the winter months. Both need to build up their resources to last them the harsh time ahead. The hedgehog must put on enough fat to last it through its long sleep and the seaside town must gain enough financial bulk to last it the lean times to come. A wet cold summer can lead to disaster for both with a lack of worms or tourists meaning they may not survive. But luckily for both the summer was good and a mild and dryish (except for the last few days) October has given them extra time to fatten up.

I expect the next time I visit Sheringham it will start to look like a ghost town and have a gale blowing in off the sea. On the up side it may now be a little easier to get served in most of the pubs without the crowds.