Camber Sands has featured frequently in the local and national media recently, with concerns raised over social distancing, parking restrictions, closed toilet facilities and the annual tourist invasion but, given how stunning the beaches are, you can't blame people for wanting to come and share them and - as long as the rules are obeyed - we can all enjoy the spectacle.
When the sunny summer days come to an end the atmosphere in Camber changes dramatically. Come sunset most of the people have disappeared, the car parks are virtually empty, dog walkers have returned home, and there's not a kite in sight.
The beaches are empty, the tide is out, and the vast expanse of sand is now home only to the flocks of seagulls clearing the beaches of freshly washed up mussels, whelks, crabs and fish.
On Monday, May 25, we walked along the beach at around 8:45pm, and the intention was to witness the magnificent sunset - which didn't disappoint, and it never does. We could have been on the Mediterranean coastline anywhere. It was peaceful, still and calm and, as well as being rewarded with a stunning sunset (top photo), as the tide was a long way out, the wreck of the fishing boat (see photo below) was really exposed.
The shape of the boat was now clearly visible and to see it so close up and clearly was an unexpected bonus. I couldn't help wondering how it got there, and about its history - but there's a story for another day.
If you get the opportunity to visit Camber, particularly Jurys Gap, try visiting in the evening, when parking and people are not an issue, as the empty beaches are spectacular and, as for the sunset, well, the photograph does all the talking.
