Spectacular Sea Spray

It's a spectacular afternoon, the sun's shining and the tide is high. There's great delight amongst the seagulls who are gathered over and on the water. With each wave there is an almighty thud that reverberates thoughout the house, just ahead of the upward vertical thrust of water which is heavily laden with seaweed. The road is awash with water as the drains are now blocked. Cars passing are creating there own mini tidal waves ahead, and vigorous wakes follow. Out near the harbour where the water is shallow over the rocks there are three intrepid surfers having a whale of a time. I captured two of them earlier today:

I can hear many squeals of delight from young passers by below at the pavement level. From our first floor eyrie, we have a panoramic view of all the activity. A truly good to be alive afternoon here on the Prom in Castletown. Am taking the opportunity to celebrate creation and our Creator.

Sadly, I can't remember how to put my camera onto repeat, so am only getting the occasional photo rather than being able to take a group and pick the best. Note to self, ask Ivor how to do this!

Weekend Achievements I

While the boys were growing up I always wanted a car with 7 seats. Today we have one!

Having six adults to ferry around this weekend it was extremely useful. We all managed to pile into the car and do a bit of sightseeing. Here are Susan and Ruth looking quite happy - though they did comment they could only see where we had been. Friday the weather was sunny so Terry and Susan had a quick nip up to St John's and then we had a lovely tea in Harbour Lights in Peel. There really is nothing like a good cuppa! Ruth and Mally arrived on the last Gatwick flight and we had late supper.

Saturday saw the Bride and Groom going to the Jewellers to size up for their wedding rings. Meanwhile the oldies had a look at Laxey Wheel in torrential rain before abandoning the island tour. We then all piled back into the car and took a trip to the Calf instead. The storm ensured the sea was choppy and only a few souls braved the inclement weather, amidst the spume and flying seaweed, to view the local seals. We discovered we had severe 'window measles' on our return.

Wizzy took our visitors out for many walks. They are seen discussing the geography of the Island in relation to the the mainland. It really is good to spend time with our extending family.

Window Measles

Yet another storm ... well it IS autumn.

The tides are interesting! We are coming off springs. These are the highest tidal ranges in the cycle. Over the last few days we have taken a pounding. This can last about an hour or so either side of high tide. Each crashing wave shaking the house and creating havoc on the road. It makes quite a lively time and Wizzy wants to nuzzle under the covers in the night! Here she is hiding under a table and dustsheet!

High tide plus high winds, increases the likelihood of flying debris, and seaweed gets everywhere. You can see the 'window measles' here. If seaweed manages to dry it sticks like limpets even to vertical surfaces. We have to hope the rain falls shortly after or measles can last for days.

A friend came to visit today as just as high tide was reached. Very bravely she used the front door and managed to dodge the spray and debris. (We use the back entrance at lively high tides.) For quite a long time we stood at the window and surveyed the crashing waves, flying debris and sloshing water that filled the road and blocked the drains.

There is something reassuring watching all the elemental activity from the comfort of our living room.

During storms, either in nature or in lives, we need to find shelter. Just like Wizzy we all need our refuges.