Reversing Falls

There were so many interesting things to be found and enjoyed on our recent road trip. Some days we viewed mountains, some days rivers, bogs, meadows and on others, coastlines. The variety of landscapes kept us engaged, and through it all, the foliage and weather was spectacular. The trees hadn't yet begun shedding their glowing façade, and the temperatures were in the low 70s. How lucky can you get!

We visited the coast to see the Tidal Falls Preserve in Frenchman Bay, Hancock, where the changing tide is impeded by a pinch in the channel and by the underwater rock ledge. It produces a perturbation and swirling of the water surface that looks like rapids. It's not dramatic and jaw-dropping, just fascinating to see. (You do have to time your visit with the tides of course). The upwelling is productive for wildlife since it stirs up zooplankton and nutrients, which in turn attracts birds and seals.

Whilst waiting for the reversing tidal falls to do their thing, I found this algae in a rock pool. I think it's Ulva intestinalis, known as gutweed in more common parlance. It sparkled and glowed rather attractively in the sunlight.

We picnicked there for hours, until the shadows grew long and we had to return to our lodging.