Waiting for Summer: Beach Breaks, Study II and III

Whitestable, England on the Thames Estuary (January, 2018)

After visiting the Maunsell Sea Forts in the Thames Estuary the day before (see prior blog on Maunsell Sea Forts) in the middle of winter, I found the assorted charming beach breaks (also known as a beach huts, beach cabins or bathing boxes) located on the adjacent beach area. The cabins are small, usually wooden, and often brightly-painted located above the high tide mark on popular beaches. They are generally used as a shelter from the sun or wind, changing into and out of swimming costumes and for the safe storing of some personal belongings, but, some beach huts incorporate simple facilities for preparing food and hot drinks by either a small gas tank or occasionally with electricity.

Custom umbrella holder used for long exposure shots when it is raining (like this morning).

The Thames Estuary continues from London out into the the North Sea and is adjacent to Whitstable Harbour. At many seaside resorts, the beach huts are arranged in one or more ranks along the top of the beach. Depending upon the location, beach huts may be owned privately or may be owned by the local government and rented/leased back to individual families. In some cases, the beach breaks are large enough for overnight stays.

Study III: Beach breaks located to the south of Whitstable Harbor, England (at sunrise)