A Smelly Neap Tide

Coming home one afternoon and coming down the drive to our campement, we were surprised by a very strong fishy, seaweedy rather unpleasant and pungent smell. We had no idea what it could be but going onto the porch we were suddenly awe-struck by what looked like rocks that had suddenly appeared out of the sea. The sea had retreated to uncover these smelly rocks covered by slimy seaweed. We asked Jocelyne why the tide was suddenly so low when it hadn't been all the time we were there and she explained that it was a neap tide and that it only occurred twice a month and we were lucky to see it. We didn't feel that lucky as the smell was really bad and the thought of going to sleep that night inhaling rotten fish was not particularly enticing! But little by little we got accustomed to it, and just like in life, where you get used to almost anything, even the bad things, it soon became part of our surroundings  so much so that we even sat outside, had a glass of wine and took 'photos of this strange sight.

I sat outside for a long time, silently, sipping wine and looking out and marveling at how this huge expanse of water which was full and so close to the campement yesterday can today look so far and diminished and how it uncovered and revealed all these hidden rocks and how much more lies beneath the ocean that no-one has seen.

After a while the moon appeared and the light changed to a dimmer, subtler and more gentle and romantic hue and I watched as the ocean began to reflect the light of the moon. All seemed quiet and subdued, and everything felt as if it was exactly as it should be. A perfect painting.

The moon? What moon?

Behind you, Tony, behind you!

We watched people walking on the beach past our campement, also curious to see what a neap tide looked like, and the moon became brighter and brighter and cast a more and more mysterious glow onto the ocean. Even though this picture is a little blurry, I love the light of the moon on the water and the peaceful mood twilight brings.

From the porch Tony and I accepted the kindly invitation our bench had offered and we moved gratefully into its welcoming energy to end our evening surrounded by beauty and spirit.