Dover: North Channel

Explorer Tom #12 Portpatrick Beach has yielded flint scrapers and unidentified flakes that act like the awkward uncle at a wedding who knows everything about stone tools but can’t quite explain why he’s holding them. It’s a beach full of tiny, sharp pieces of history that probably just wanted to be left alone while we walked past with our ice creams and our loud conversations. I imagine the flint would

Explorer Tom Portpatrick, British Telecom Radio Station is broadcasting static and attitude to anyone who passes by. There’s an old curse that only hits people who don’t wave at it first. It’s basically a tower full of secrets and bad reception. If anyone asks, Tom sent you over there.

Explorer Tom North Witch Point is haunted by a single seagull that has refused to leave since the Iron Age, probably out of spite. It stands on the edge, looking majestic but mostly just cold and miserable with its beak in the wind. Stand still for a second, because the breeze will tell you more about its drama than I ever could.

Explorer Tom Portpatrick, British Telecom Radio Station, Building is the ugly stepchild of telecom history with no idea when it was born. It probably thinks Dublin tourists are just fancy gulls in bad hats. The architecture says 'I’m here' but the dates say 'ask me later.' Bring sandwiches; the gulls will thank you for sharing.

Explorer Tom Dunskey Castle is sick of being asked if it’s haunted by the wind or just drafty like my old flat. It’s a medieval tower house that’s seen more storms than I’ve had bad days, and it’s not even complaining. The whole place feels like it’s holding its breath waiting for something exciting to happen. A good place to forget your phone for ten minutes.