As we sat down, I said: "Ok, we will sit here until we see a dolphin, even though it may mean missing Christmas." Christmas was 3 weeks away, so it was a rash thing to say. We looked out to sea, and within a minute, I saw two dolphins. I was in disbelief, but I took another look; I had my glasses on so was not being deceived. It really was dolphins.

My daughter thought, assumed, and was sure, I was joking. Then she saw them also, plus a third dolphin. We watched them for about 45 minutes, walking along the coast with them, and then back again. It was a mesmerising and unforgettable time, even though they were so far away; those three bottle-nosed dolphins were, to me, the ultimate dolphin lover's Christmas gift. A few weeks early, and free, but a wonderful gift nonetheless.