Late this morning Sam, Holly, Malachi, and Orlaith visited after another overnight stay at Elizabeth’s, and spent an emotional farewell hour as they left for North Wales on the next stage of their tour catching up with family and friends.
I was quite choked as I watched their hired car turn out of our front drive, and right along Christchurch Road.
The overnight howling gales seemed to have increased, with winds now 60 m.p.h. and unrelenting fierce driving rain.
Jackie and I took a drive down to Milford on Sea to focus on the weather.
What the Japanese call sea flowers flew up as the waves beat on the shining rocks whisking creamy clusters into the air to settle like snow drifts where they would.
With sharp precipitation needles stinging my wet cheeks; sticky salt Supergluing my fingers; rain and spray clouding my specs; gusts ripping at my dripping coat, keeping upright was all I could manage with confidence as I aimed my camera more in hope than conviction.
This evening we dined on Red Chilli’s excellent takeaway meals. My choice was tiger prawn dhansak and egg fried rice, with which I drank Paarl Shiraz 2021
The hope of your camera’s aim did result in action images of the seas, Derrick. The term “sea flowers” is new to me, however we have seen that foamy result somewhere during our travels. We can certainly appreciate the sadness of the family leaving, as we have extended visits several times a year, always resulting in a sad day at the end of the visit.
Thank you so much, Maj and Sher
I feel for you. I remember so well when two of mine lived in the US; saying goodbye was heartbreaking each time they came home. Thankfully, mine returned after a few years.
I loved the chilly, grey images of a choppy sea; I feel they added to the melancholy mood of the day.
On a lighter note, the gallery is functioning as it should, as was the email notification of your post.
Phew. Thanks very much, Sue. You can imagine just one gallery was quite a risk
Is that the same as what we used to know as “sea spume” ?
I imagine so – I have only seen it since we came here. Thanks very much, John
Hi Derrick, I am already following you but why is it I need to log in when I click to your post?
Another glitch, I think. They even ask me to log in sometimes.
Amazing photos, Derrick, I would love to visit Milford On Sea for the weather experience. I would also like to try Red Chilli’s food too!
You would certainly like the food, John. Thanks very much
You are welcome. ☺️
I like to read reports of people having fun! It takes all sorts.
Thanks very much, Tootlepedal
I can understand how sad you felt to see that hired car pull out of your driveway. I hate seeing my daughter get back on a plane for San Diego.
I’ve never seen sea foam as thick as what is in your photos. I had to satisfy my curiosity by looking up what causes it.
Thanks very much, Liz. Can you enlighten us?
I just looked it up on Wikipedia:
“Sea foam, ocean foam, beach foam, or spume is a type of foam created by the agitation of seawater, particularly when it contains higher concentrations of dissolved organic matter (including proteins, lignins, and lipids) derived from sources such as the offshore breakdown of algal blooms.[1] These compounds can act as surfactants or foaming agents. As the seawater is churned by breaking waves in the surf zone adjacent to the shore, the surfactants under these turbulent conditions trap air, forming persistent bubbles that stick to each other through surface tension.
Sea foam is a global phenomenon,[1] and it varies depending on location and the potential influence of the surrounding marine, freshwater, and/or terrestrial environments.[2] Due to its low density and persistence, foam can be blown by strong on-shore winds from the beach face inland. Human activities, such as production, transport or spillage of petroleum products or detergents, can also contribute to the formation of sea foam.”
Thanks to you, too, Merril
You’re welcome, Derrick. Here you go:
“Seawater contains dissolved salts, proteins, fats, dead algae, detergents and other pollutants, and a bunch of other bits and pieces of organic and artificial matter. If you shake this glass of ocean water vigorously, small bubbles will form on the surface of the liquid. Sea foam forms in this way – but on a much grander scale – when the ocean is agitated by wind and waves.”
https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/seafoam.html
Thank you once more, Liz. This is much more than I had bargained for, and potentially harmful (Jackie is asthmatic)
You’re welcome, Derrick.
I love the sea at this time of year.
Thanks very much, Gary
I know the house is quiet now, but you have made some beautiful memories. Thank you for sharing your sweet family with us… and the fascinating foam, too! 🙂
Much appreciated, JoAnna
Made me a little teary eyed to read this. How hard it must be to have them live so far away.
Thank you so much, Laurie
It is sad when such wonderful visits end. I wish them safe travels! Your weather seems very rough now. Stay safe, Derrick and Jackie.
Thank you very much from us both, Lavinia. Winds will be gentler today
Always sad to say goodbyes! I love the “sea flowers”, must have been quite a story to get those beautiful images!
Thank you very much, Aletta. I was particularly pleased to catch the fast movement of the foam
Wonderful!
☺️
The storm is impressing , . Fortunately there always is good food to restaure you both
In friendship
Michel
I describe you to Kim as intrepid. You would have been a useful crewman on a Shackleton expedition.
Thank you so much Andrew
Thank you so much, Michel, my friend
I had to look that up “Sea foam, ocean foam, beach foam, or spume is a type of foam created by the agitation of seawater, particularly when it contains higher concentrations of dissolved organic matter (including proteins, lignins, and lipids) derived from sources such as the offshore breakdown of algal blooms.”
Thanks to you, too, Sherry
I feel chilled to the bones now AND sad with you. Sigh.
I can imagine your sadness, Derrick. They live so far away.
Beautiful photos and prose. Dinner sounds delicious.
Thank you so much, Merril
I love when folks come to visit but equally I’m happy to wave them off. They’ll be back soon I’m sure.
Not too soon when they live in Australia. Thanks very much, Sheree
The Froth and the Fury! Looks rather chilly!
Thanks very much, Dwight
You are welcome!
Miserable weather makes for marvelous photos.
Thank you very much, Dolly
You are very welcome, Derrick.
Saying goodbye is not easy! Beautiful photos though!
Thank you very much, Ribana
Hello, just testing your site, could not find it on my reader feed
Thanks very much, Arlene. I have pointed this out to James Peacock.
I feel for you, Derrick, waving them goodbye. Such a long way to travel. Might you and Jackie consider a trip of your own one day?
Thanks very much, Sandra. You may remember I attended their wedding in 2007/8, but neither of us is now mobile enough to make the journey.