Monday, November 03, 2008

High Tide

It always amazes me when I watch programs on Discovery, or see pictures of, the differences between high and low tides. Isn't it in the Amazon where high tide creates a wave so large it can be surfed?



High and low tide in front of my house is barely discernable. It can literally be measured in inches. It took me a long time to even figure out which was which. I have a pretty good measurement for it though. Meet Crocodile Rock.









The view I have of it from my front porch makes it look like a crocodile about to slither into the water. But it never makes it. See that gap under what would be its' jaws? Even at high tide the water does not touch it.



So what is this then?








Whenever we have powerful winds like we have been having lately, we get a mini surge, like from a hurricane. The water comes way up on shore. In the photo above I caught one of the smaller waves coming in and crashing. And it wasn't even high tide yet!



These may not look like killer waves to you. But they do to me! Although they were only about 3 feet at the highest, I would probably describe them to somebody as 10' high! Thus is the effect of the scary water to me!


8 comments:

Ann said...

Great photos! I like that rock. Hopefully, for you, the surf will calm down soon.

K.W. Michigan said...

Thanks for all the beach pics. Sad to see all the seaweed. With hi season coming you would think the new mayor would get the place cleaned up! The view from your house is lovely, it's one that I would love to see each morning.

Babs said...

Where's your surf board?

Loretta said...

Sad to see the condition of Playa Norte, but like you said, maybe there's hope...

That ocean looks scary to me, too. Especially since I know there are rocks lurking under the surface. Wouldn't catch me in it!

Isla Deb said...

I would give my right arm (well, maybe) to see that view from my front porch every day...waves and all.

Anonymous said...

What a wus! I have seen locals in Hawaii surfing 15+ feet waves during a storm. Seriously though I do respect the ocean and know enough to be very cautious after having a more than a few scares when a big wave crept up and hit me.

Frankly Ronda said...

There is a huge difference between high tide and low tide at our beach. Funny. I am inspired to take before & after pics too ...

Islagringo said...

jamqueen: I love that rock too. In the summer, when it is calm out, I sit on it while watching B and L snorkel.

kw: we call it our million dollar view and it is lovely....most of the time. There is a price to pay to have it though.

babs: I'm more of an ironing board type!

Loretta: yeah, the rocks can be treacherous. They are really sharp.

Isladeb: we try to never take this view for granted. Every day brings a new appreciation...or disgust. Depending upon the weather!

jackie: can't wait for you to get here so I can watch you snorkel in front of my house.

american mommy: I have heard that the closer to the Equator one gets, the less the tide is noticeable. I don't think that can be right though since the Amazon has that amazing tide thing going.