Until July 2017, documenting the seasons of coastal Dorset. I'm a complete amateur so don't trust I'm always right. If ever you see I'm wrong - whether with identifications or in anything else - do say! Meanwhile . . . I've now moved to Halifax in West Yorkshire. Click on the link below to collect the new URL. Don't forget to follow there!

Sunday 29 November 2015

IT'S WINTER HERE

Man on Chesil Beach looks out to sea.
I've nearly gone. There was to be another book review before the sleep-tight round up but I decided if I couldn't say anything nice about it, it would be pointless even to mention. So now I need the wind to calm and the sun to come out so I can trot around with my camera to say a temporary 'Goodbye' to the plants and trees and streets which form the subject matter for this blog.

But I can't let you miss today.

This was here at mid-day. It's not a sea to swim in, to paddle in or to surf in. It's a sea to die in. You go too close at your peril.

This man is not as close as he seems. Chesil Beach goes down in steps so although it looks as though he is standing at the edge of the surf, he isn't. The sea is below him - which may give you an idea of the size of these waves.

There were lots of people. By 'lots' I suppose at any one time there were a dozen. But they were coming and going - and virtually every one of them with a camera. I have not done justice to this sea - but the air was dense with salt and spray. It was reckless. Cameras don't like salt and spray. But I wasn't the only one who couldn't resist it. (Camera menders may be in for a bonanza!)

Incidentally, the black blodge on the waves is a huge mat of seaweed.

16 comments:

Anonymous said...

I am always in awe of the sea but even more so in today's conditions.

Lucy Corrander Now in Halifax! said...

Hi, Toffeeapple. It's incredible. There are moments when one physically can't walk forward because the wind is so strong - and a couple of times I've been blown sideways. After visiting Chesil Cove I went to Portland Bill where the waves were similarly dramatic - some breaking out at sea even more so; great walls of water. It was fun. Everyone there seemed happy (again taking photos!) and smiling at each other. Discussions around the broken parking ticket machines were particularly jolly. The weather is breaking down barriers between strangers.

Donna said...

An incredible sight that winter sea...fierce and foaming against the gray sky. Have a wonderful winter Lucy.

elaine said...

I love the sea in winter it is all just so elemental - wonderful picture.

Lucy Corrander Now in Halifax! said...

Hello Donna and Elaine. It is forecast to be even windier today. If I'm able to go back to the waves I will. Such fun. So exhilarating. So glad I'm not in a boat on them! This picture doesn't do justice to them.

liz said...

I do miss the sea. That is wild and windy weather at noontime. Bracing! Thanks for the photo and description.

Lucy Corrander Now in Halifax! said...

Hello Liz. I'd hate to live away from water. As well as the sea, fast running rivers are enlivening. I suppose at a push I'd make do with a stream . .. but no sea, no river, no stream . . . aaagh!

Down by the sea said...

Hi Lucy, It does feel like winter looking at your picture! It's such a contrast to further along the coast at Cogden only two days before! Sarah x

Lucy Corrander Now in Halifax! said...

Hello Sarah. These seas are endlessly varied. And speaking of different ends of the beach . . . Sometimes I peer into your photos and know I'm a little round the corner - just out of sight. Your blog, I think, has taken an extra spring in its step since you moved. Readers may not realise how accurate are the pictures - Dorset is incredible all the time - good and bad weathers.

Anonymous said...

What a grey day! But wonderful all the same.
I bet that blew away the cobwebs.
Have a great winter :)

Lucy Corrander Now in Halifax! said...

Hi Pat. Yes. Cobwebs blown far away - for a day! They creep back rapidly don't you find? I need a permanently running mental spring-clean!
By the way, was it you who mentioned The Grey Mare and Her Colts long barrow? I visited it at last, last weekend. The ground was horribly muddy - with extra churnings from sheep in places. But the view when we got there was impressive and we could see far into the distance; west along the coast. But if the sun had been shining it would have been even better. Will go back for a picnic when it's a blue sky day, sit on the stones and just breath it all in. (And drink tea. When it's from a flask it tastes of holidays.)

HWIT BLOGG said...

What a lovely picture! Wow!
Merry Christmas to you...
Titti

Lyn said...

it looks wild!
we are having such a crazy winter so wet and warm and lots of storms.
Hope your Christmas was good and all the best for 2016 xxx

Lucy Corrander Now in Halifax! said...

Hello Everyone. Apologies if you had a spam comment (about shot glasses) sent you from this post. I've deleted it!

Hope you are all doing well.

Lucy

Elizabeth said...

Hi Lucy, love the photo - the see does look very wild and dangerous. Our winter storms created scenes just as wild down at Ayr Beach and all along the coast here. I notice that it is quite some time since you posted anything. I hope you are well and that you have just been having a winter break. Elizabeth xx

Lucy Corrander Now in Halifax! said...

Hello Elizabeth. We've had even fiercer seas in the last week. A bit overwhelming even when was is well enough back to be safe. I'm fine. Thank you for your concern. It's laptop troubles that have kept me away and they still persist. But I'm just beginning to rev-up in a small way. Strikes me I'd rather do little than nothing.