For centuries, the Broomway was the only way to access Foulness Island on foot. Recorded as early as 1419, the footpath runs for about 6 miles through vast sand flats and mud flats that look deceptively easy to navigate in good weather, but that can prove deadly in less than ideal conditions. Named after the hundreds of “brooms” – bundles of twigs attached to short poles – which once marked the path, the Broomway is now outlined by wooden poles that are easy to miss in fog and heavy rain. And getting lost in the treacherous sand flats can be deadly, for a number of reasons.
Tuesday, December 15, 2020
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In case you didn't know, the tides come in and out faster in estuaries, and faster still the further north you are.
ReplyDeleteCheck "tidal bore" in the Bay of Fundy, Nova Scotia.
Steve the Engineer
Seeing the tide come in and out in the Bay of Fundy is on my bucket list.
DeleteWent years ago w/family, had relatives that had a spot just a few hundred yards from the beach in Parrsboro N. S. Stayed a couple of weeks.
ReplyDeleteYou will never forget it.
Theres a photo that goes around showing a pier at high tide and a boat tied up. Then it shows it at low tide, some 30 feet down in the mud, but what it doesnt show you is the tideline is some mile or so out to sea. Tide is about 50 feet. Water doesnt come in as waves but just a non-stop roll, kids have these rock piles about 4-5' high and play chicken, we all climbed up on the pile and as the tide comes in last one off is king, (or drowned); water moves fast, at a walk at least.
Pay attention to the warning signs, skull and crossbone stuff, keep away from those parts of the beach, just no escape if there are cliffs nearby.
daddy-o