So it’s December here on the Copper Coast and the end of another year approaches.

It’s twilight. I pace up and down on the foamy shore of Bonmahon Beach as my son Alfie, aged 12, surfs, in the fading light.

During the course of this 19 minute recording, visibility drops, the sea and the sky blend into one, the horizon disappears and night descends.

Meanwhile the strength and sound of the waves seem to become more evident.

It’s a sensory phenomenon. It’s known that when you remove one sense, the other senses are increased. Like standing in nature with your eyes closed.

The sea is rough but the waves aren’t particularly big. They still have enough strength to throw a foamy wash 50 or 60 feet up along the sand in an unpredictable pattern.

I’m distracted and misjudge their approach and so I now stand in wet shoes and socks!

It’s such an awe inspiring experience, yet my emotions are mixed. It’s just the two of us in this vast dark landscape and we can’t see each other.

I have a sense of helplessness and fear. I have to overcome these feelings and Trust that he is OK.

Alfie loves surfing, it’s his passion. He’s quite a good surfer too and he doesn’t take risks beyond his abilities.

I finally wade into the sea, call him out and we depart together.

So sit back and relax, close your eyes and share the experience with me.

Twilight on the Shore….