Tides

This is the first time I've actually lived where I have a view of a tidal river, and I'm coming to understand some more of the dynamics of the tides. There's about 6 hours between high and low tides, so it's reasonable to assume that the water flows in or out at a steady rate during those times - reasonable, but wrong!!

In fact, the tide coming in is really dramatic and takes very little time - the water surges in and sometimes looks like a fast flowing mountain stream - only it's going "up-hill"!!! At other times you get the feel for the power that there is behind the water - the surface is calm and flat, but constantly moving and revolving. The occasional boat going against the tide makes huge bow waves and really pushes against the flow - and yet moves so slowly against that power.

The water rises and the mud banks disappear, and you begin to think that this time maybe the water will just keep on coming, and go over the banks. But then, imperceptibly at first, there is a change and a slowing, and for a few brief moments the water is still, and we are at high tide. And then the thing happens that seems a miracle - the water starts moving in the opposite direction. Suddenly there is a strong flow out to sea - "downhill" again! The mud banks come back into view and the powerful river becomes a calm stream again, just flowing gently down to the sea.

Low tide last longer than high tide - and the river is a gentle and calm meander for a time, before we once again experience the power and splendour of the tide arriving.