Low Tide

Believe it or not, these mudflats are a popular beauty spot at the head of Southampton Water, but not when the tide is out.
That’s when craft moored at Eling Creek are left resting on mud banks rather than bobbing in the water as when the tide is in.
But then, it was also bitterly cold and overcast today with heavy skies that scarcely presented a welcome for walking on the quayside or soaking in the atmosphere. But given the right time of year, and a high tide the character of the creek changes completely. There’s a unique toll bridge across the water and you cannot escape the toll even for a visit to the village pub — albeit there are hostelries both sides of the creek so you needn’t be caught out.
But sitting, or walking by the creek was decidedly taboo today with temperatures of around 5 degrees C, but feeling more like just 1 degree.
‘Fraid I hurried back to the town for a strong black coffee, and the opportunity to warm up.