January. After sunset at the sea pool in Bude, Cornwall.

It was cold, dark and it was raining, but blimey, it was good!

Tags:   water sea high tide

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After I made this image, which consists of ten individual exposures, I found myself wondering about the countless billions of creatures that have lived and died in the oceans since life first emerged on Earth. Yes, I am sometimes prone to melancholia, as you may have already noticed.

And what conclusion did I draw after all of that wondering?

That the sea is full to the brim of ghosts, that’s what.

If you look long enough, you can see some of them here…

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If you’re planning a trip to Newfoundland then this is a good place to start. It’s just over there, beyond the beacon; keep going in a more-or-less straight line for a couple of thousand miles and you’ll be sorted.

Be careful not to bump into Ireland though, as that might sting a bit. Also, I’m fairly sure that going by boat would be a better option than trying to swim there. If you’ve got a boat with an engine, so much the better.

Do send a postcard once you’ve arrived and settled in.

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Usual caveats.

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The Bathing Pool, Summerleaze Beach, Bude, Cornwall.

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If you can get to Clovelly in winter then you’re likely on to a winner, as there are usually far fewer people about and the harbour is a wonderland of photo opportunities which you can take your time to pursue. You can also get a nice, warming bite to eat at the Red Lion Hotel which sits right on the harbour wall.

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The harbour wall, Clovelly, North Devon.

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As I’ve said before, some days the weather and the landscape meet in perfect harmony. Of course, that’s not to say that other days won’t present a different, but equally perfect combination; it’s just that some combinations are more perfect than others, if I may paraphrase Mr Orwell.

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Hartland Quay, North Devon

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