"It looks like cotton wool," thought Vera as she watched the steam escaping through the engine's funnel. It puffed through the air leaving a trail of fluffy cloud. A shrill whistle rang out and the rhythm sang as the wheels started to turn. Vera and Ron strolled down the platform arm in arm, leaving the steam train to return to the quaint tearooms on Weybourne station. "Come on, I'll race you!" Ron charged up Beeston Bump with gusto, but Vera rapidly managed to ease her way passed, her arms waving vigorously in the air. She was the free-spirited girl of yesteryear! She galloped towards the top of 'The Hump' as carefree as the wind. "First to the top buys the chips," called Ron with a supportive cheer. Moments later they took a welcome breather on the rickety bench on the summit of their very own mountain. "Takes your breath away, doesn't it?" puffed Ron as he gazed in awe over the cliff tops towards West Runton. The ocean spread beneath them like a giant blanket, glistening like a galaxy in the rich sunlight. "Sure that's not just you clambering up the hill at the age of twenty-one-again?" giggled Vera with a twinkle. "So what's next?" asked Ron. "Fancy a nice cuppa?" "What do you take us for, pensioners?" scolded Vera, already geared up for the race back down the hill. On the beach, Vera playfully flicked the grains between her bare toes as she added the finishing touches to her sand castle. Following an invigorating paddle, Ron was perched on the pebbles nearby - his trouser-bottoms rolled up to his knees. He admired Vera quietly. She still had the smile that could brighten his dullest day. Ron breathed in the mouth-watering aroma, whilst eagerly covering his mountain of chips with vinegar. "This'll hit the spot," he said gleefully. With the shrill cries of the seagulls above, they perched contentedly on the prom wall. The azure ocean a perfect view. "Remember when we used to bring the boys here," said Vera. "You mean the days of our pea-green beach-hut," laughed Ron. "Great days, but now they've got their own lives it gives us energetic ones the chance to have all the fun. Come on, I'll race you to the ice cream van." Josephine carried the tray carefully. "Here we are, a refreshing brew" she stated cheerfully. She poured generously whilst passing Ron a china plate filled with an array of sweet temptations. Jo enjoyed spending time with her grandparents, especially when she got to hear their intriguing tales of times gone by in sleepy Norfolk, with its quaint little villages and picture-postcard views. "I thought we might take a look at the sea later," she enquired. "I doubt you get out and about as much as you used to." Vera threw Ron a knowing smile. "Oh, I reckon we might manage a light stroll. Nothing too strenuous mind." Ron gave Vera a sly wink, before helping himself to his fourth chocolate biscuit. | 
