Today I thought I'd share another wildlife adventure.

Over the Easter weekend I was woken by an alert on my phone at 7.15 am reporting that dolphins were passing through Scarborough travelling south. Generally my mornings have not been starting very early, but fortunately I'd slept well. I'd not seen dolphins in a while and was pleased to feel awake enough to get ready quickly and head out to try and see them!

I drove a few miles up the coast to Filey Brigg and hurried out of the car with my binoculars. It was a lovely morning with calm seas, which meant I could see quite a distance. To my delight, within minutes of my arrival, I spotted them a little way off, heading towards me. They were spread out in small groups and it was simply wonderful seeing their sleek bodies approach and pass by. I was the only person on the cliff top, and watching them felt a very intimate experience. How joyous.

After I'd been watching around half an hour and most had passed, some of the dolphins came in a bit nearer. So beautiful. I felt very peaceful. But then I let out a shriek of excitement. For I spotted the much-loved individual known as 'Runny Paint', a matriarch over thirty years old, distinguished by a white band across the base of her dorsal fin. I was tearfully delighted! It's always so special to see her.

I paused to post the sighting on our 'cetacean watch group' as people are always keen for news of her, and a lively chat started. 'But she was 90 miles away in Northumberland yesterday afternoon' somebody posted, with a photo to prove it. That started me on a mission! I wanted a photo too for the records, but didn't have a camera. So I messaged a wildlife photographer friend further south along the coast at Bempton to alert him 'Runny Paint' was heading his way. And then I raced back to my car to head there myself.

Within minutes of arriving at the Bempton viewpoint, I spotted the pod approaching. I was in my element. The viewpoint was crowded with Easter visitors, and my friend was one of many with cameras. I was watching carefully as the dolphins came past, mostly in small groups. And then I spotted 'Runny Paint' again. I shouted out 'She's coming'! My friend (and others) managed to capture some wonderful images. The cetacean group online marvelled at how quickly she'd covered the journey from Northumberland. What a thrilling very blessed day.

'Runny Paint'. Bempton April 2026. Thanks to James Davies

Bottle-nosed dolphins, Bempton. April 2026. James Davies..

This week's self-kindness invitation is to, whenever you can, take opportunities that present themselves to you to 'do things you love'. This can be deeply nourishing and 'top you up' for days. Good luck.

Go well.

In warmth and kindness

Barbara