I originally spotted this croc on the beach this morning on my daily walk to work. Set against a particularly stormy sea, with the sunlight trying its best to burst its way through the clouds. The bright colours of the croc eroded with the texture of all plastic that’s spent any decent amount of time in the sea, generating microplastics. What a magnificent image it would have made.

Unfortunately, I’d left my phone at home, always intentionally, so that I might savour a few moments disconnected from the digital world. I made a mental note to come back and photograph it later when I was out giving my sister’s dog, Doris, a walk.

Disappointingly, I was too late; it had gone, collected by one of the many regular do-gooders from around these parts, no doubt.

I bet they picked it up and put it in the bin, and there it was. Predictably. Meanwhile, Doris was almost knocked off her feet as Storm Ciarán approached.

Gordon Langley

November 01, 2023