I had double luck earlier this year – my parents came to stay and looked after our son while we had a rare night away at a secret location (my wife is much better at keeping surprises than I am).
The secret location turned out to be the Turnberry hotel on the Ayrshire coast. Apparently well known if you are a golfer, it’s a wonderful 1920’s style hotel, with the best breakfast buffet I have ever had – whisky and cream on your porridge or a Buck’s Fizz with your cooked breakfast of local specialities? As I was due to drive home I avoided the alcohol, but the view out towards the golf course and beach was fantastic, and we decided to go for a good walk before we left.
I was drawn towards the lighthouse. They are functional, but often beautiful structures, and seem to symbolise mankind’s battle against the elements.
The beach was deserted, apart from a lone horse rider, and we enjoyed just listening to the waves break.
There was a lot of gorse just behind the sand. Not only was it an incredibly bright hue of yellow, but it gave of a strong scent of coconut. Wonderful!
Mike Baker | Photography 
Sure is nice to get away once in a while. I live about half an hour from the Jersey Shore… yes the knuckle heads on TV are filming there. I only go down after the summer crazies are gone. Lt. Houses… waves… sand and sound, I could zone out even talking about it. 🙂
Although I grew up as far from the sea as is possible in the UK, since I’ve lived near the coast, I can’t imagine being too far away again.
I prefer the beaches in the winter too – it’s no fun tripping over sunbathers!
Lovely, sharp photographs, Mike! Used to go to the beach with my folks just across from the hotel when I was a kid, ?? years ago! Was always impressed by the hotel but have never stayed there!
Cheers, John
The hotel building was impressive – I wish I’d taken some photos now. My wife’s pretty good at finding internet deals on places – I suspect the golfers paid a lot more than us 😉