Just pooling around.

With the news of the rare leopard spotted goby going on display in Newquay’s Blue Reef Aquarium after being found on a Cornish beach during a spot of rock pooling by a local surfer, I am pleased to say that I too, have recently taken to the simple past time.

Initially I wasn’t convinced. As with many things, I need to see the proof before I’m convinced and the prospect of wading around in the chilly waters, skidding on the slimy seaweed or coming up against some scary sea monsters (brave girl that I am!!) didn’t exactly have me rolling my trouser legs up in anticipation.

That was until a recent beach side stay with an enthusiastic friend who, when seeing that the British summer weather had prevailed again, was adamant that we were not going to ignore the other wonders that the beach had to offer. With great reluctance and concern for my rather expensive flip-flops, I tentatively dipped my toe into my first adult rock pooling experience.

Dotted along the shore and amongst the rocks, I noted that rock pooling was clearly something that spanned all age ranges; from single strollers to competitive youngsters trying to beat their sibling rivals to marking off all the species on their rock pool identification sheets, all embracing this free past time and that’s when I realised I was, in fact, enjoying myself.

Yes, I did get a bit squeamish when the seaweed wrapped around my ankle and yes, I nearly cried as my beloved flip-flip floated off my foot and was last seen heading towards France but I was enchanted when we came across an azure blue pool, with a soft sandy floor and little hidey-holes with a wealth of marine life just waiting for closer examination. I was intrigued by the variety of sea life and wondered at the beauty of pink-blobs (sea anemones, my friend informed me) and marvelled as a tiny, baby starfish attached itself to my little finger. All around me I could hear the shrieks of excited children and see the smiles of adults as they waded over to huddle around their beach aquariums to answer their inquisitive broods.

Amongst Cornwall’s array of beautiful beaches, you are sure to find your own rock pooling paradise; from secluded coves to vibrant resorts, team this with a stay in a fantastic self-catering cottage near to the beach to make this the perfect location for a year round holiday.

And so, with broken sunshine warming my back and salty air in my nostrils, I limped back up the beach knowing that I had lost a flip-flop but I had gained, perhaps not a rare ocean find but a new appreciation for the simple pleasures that the beach can bring.