OH NO !

Went out to Sandy Beach this afternoon where there was supposed to be a building westerly swell.  High surf was also forecasted for the north shore and news tonight said the only road round was closed most of the day due to waves and debris on the road.  Spent at least a couple hours taking about 450 pictures.   Late afternoon, waves started dropping, came home, made chili for dinner and awaited G who was working on the PC.  We ate dinner watching older taped programs we are weeding out.  Then, with G off the PC, my turn to blip.    ...  . .  you can see where this is going, can't you  . . . ?  
Viewed about half the pictures and suddenly got the error msg

Nope, don't think I can manage 1000 words, too dejected. 

The sets were rolling in at Sandy Beach, and the beach had been carved into a sand wall about chest high on your average man, which was occasionally topped by an incoming wave (one foto showed the ledge, a sandy splash, another wave behind - and the shoulders and head of a guy standing below - perfect!)  First thing I noticed was a rescue watercraft patrolling in the water and towing people out - and in - from the larger sets further out to the left side.   The backwashes were spectacular, full of ruffles, and stacks, and frills at the top like roosters' combs, which sometimes collapsed into tall spray. 
One foto showed a surfer as a small action figure on the face of a breaking wave with white water curls of sets breaking before it.  There wasn't a lot of sun, mostly overcast grey clouds, but occasionally you could see a lovely turquoise swath tempered by white on the water and banded by darker blue.  The lifeguards from their tower routinely keyed the PA system to alert newcomers that  ". . .  if you missed the signs posted warning of high surf and dangerous shore break . . . " well, you get the jist.   Got a beautiful shot looking far left of a large breaking wave rearing up til it was obscured as the beach curved away in the distance. Positioned at the curve was a photographer with a large lens and tripod, perfectly silhouetted against the wave.  Actually shot him more than once.  To the right, the blowhole was shooting skyward against the rocks, mist hanging in the air before it collapsed.  Along the rocks and low ledge between the blowhole and the beach, occasional spectacular sprays crashed high. 
The backwashes were so exciting to watch:  in one, a guy was caught about halfway up with his board about halfway out, the washboard effect actually saved him I think, by setting him backwards, giving him water under him.
One particularly large group parked right above the beach, tailgating with awning, coolers, music and more, provided loud commentary, raucous laughter, shouts of dismay, and applause.

Think my SD card has died, which is why you have commentary instead of at least one good foto.     Bummer!   But think you'll be able to see it using your imagination . .  .  enjoy!        Will catch up tomorrow.