I keep a list of locations that I would like to visit at some point and Dovercourt in Essex had been on there for a while. I knew I needed to be there at mid-tide, when the barrier between the two 19th-century cast-iron lighthouses would still be visible. With a very long exposure, one lighthouse, with a line leading back to the shore, would make a nice, minimalist composition. Early Bank Holiday Monday was looking good and although a strong wind was forecast, I didn’t expect it to interfere with my plans.
The drive took nearly two hours, but eventually my Sat Nav directed me to the second lighthouse, right next to the road, where there was plenty of room to park. First impressions were that the conditions looked brutal. A gale was blowing from the south-east, presumably affecting the tide, which was way higher than it should have been. I decided to press on regardless, but the next problem was trying to open my car door against the strong gusts. It wasn’t just the wind, but sand had been picked up and was stinging any exposed areas of skin. It may have been spring, but I regretted not bringing a scarf. And gloves.
I only had a few yards to walk before setting up my tripod and taking the photograph featured above. A few yards further on revealed a slightly different view and yes… the water really was that colour. I presume the rough tide had stirred up sand from the sea bed. Both images were taken with an exposure of ten seconds.
Finally, I sat on the beach, just inches from the water to get waves crashing over the short length of remaining wall.
Before setting off for home, I took advantage of the toilet block on the other side of the road. The location must have been chosen due to the proximity of all the childrens’ amusements along the sea front. Being a Bank Holiday, the area should have been filled with families enjoying a welcome break, but the only customers on the little go-cart track were a Dad with his young son. They were wrapped up in winter coats, with scarves and hats. It was such a sad sight.
Back home and my gear took a lot of cleaning the following day and even now, nearly four months later, I’m still finding sand in my little car.
Steve Cullum
26 Aug 2021Well worth the effort Lesley – great shots 🙂
Zooey
27 Aug 2021Cheers Steve. You want to see the sand in my little car though… 😀
Sid
27 Aug 2021OhMyWind!
Those photos are stunning! Do I love them so much ❤️
Especially, the first one is absolutely impressive 😳
Have a wonderful day!
Sid
Zooey
27 Aug 2021Thank you, Sid. The first one is my favourite as well. I hope you have a wonderful day too 🙂