August 1982, after work, lazy afternoon trips to Akko Beach. It was a short journey from the Kibbutz and there were plenty of buses. A towel, swimming suit and water bottle were all you needed, no money, no cafes, no music, no phones.

Echo Beach, far away in time

Echo Beach, far away in time

martha and the muffins – ‘ECHO BEACH’ 1980.

All we did was lie on the beach and intermittently go into the sea to cool off. The average temperature of the sea in August is 25ºC. The waves were gentle but big enough to make rising up and down on fun, rather than scary

Don’t remember the beach being as beautiful as the one pictured, but the sea was amazing to swim in. On a good day there were big rolling waves with little surf, perfect for bobbing up and down on.

When you come from a place where a normal summer water temperature is 11 degrees then 25 degrees is a real treat. Just warm sea and happy company.

From nine to five

I have to spend my time at work

My job is very boring

I’m an office clerk

The only thing that helps me pass the time away

is knowing I’ll be back at Echo Beach someday

martha and the muffins – ‘ECHO BEACH’ 1980.

It was an easy bus journey to get there then a short walk. All we took were towls and swimming suits, no phones in those days, no portable music players.

On Echo Beach

Waves make the only sound

On Echo Beach

There’s not a soul around

martha and the muffins – ‘ECHO BEACH’ 1980.

Shortly before the beach there was some kind of camp full of young recruits doing strenuous exercises. Ninety minutes later when we left, the same men would still be hard at it. Meanwhile all we had to look forward to was a lengthy meal in the kibbutz dining room followed by an evening swim in the kibbutz pool.

On a silent summer evening

The sky’s alive with lights

A building in the distance

Surrealistic sight

martha and the muffins – ‘ECHO BEACH’ 1980.