Raves & Rants . . from Penzance

Yesterday was a fantastic day down here in Cornwall, the second sunny one after a massive storm that smashed sections of Penzance promenade, the Jubilee Pool and Newlyn Green. On Sunday the promenade was almost as crowded as on Pirate Day with locals and visitors alike inspecting the damage to the prom and pool.  A sort of Dunkirk spirit pervaded the atmosphere. Waves in the 'ride-able' size now  At Sennen it was the same story, the cove filled with half-term holiday makers strolling in the sun, having a look at what all the fuss was about in the national press when '200ft Waves' were reported crashing into the cliffs at Sennen.  Today there were decent surf-able waves, the sunshine making Sennen look more like its normal inspiring self. Apart from the sand, that is. The bed rock of a beach There is a distinct lack of sand on the beach at the moment, the giant scouring swells of the last weeks having shifted it out into the bay, an oceanic action repeat...

So that's it for 2010, here's some wintry Sennen shots from the recent snow.  If you're reading this tomorrow, then Happy New Year. Sennen Cove Sennen beach, with Cape Cornwall in the distance  Sennen hill surfing  Penlee Park  Penzance Promenade Return to Ocean-Image.com

SO everyone was out storm chasing, instead of sitting in at home like a good little bunny and not going out unless ' Your journey is really necessary', as a lot of TV and radio reports urged. This being the biggest storm in living memory for this area, a drive about with a camera was warranted. The south coast was pretty sheltered really, but the north coast was going ballistic, with the wave bouy reading up to 56 feet, and a force 10 onshore wind, the beach, cafe and harbour at Sennen were really taking a battering. Huge amounts of spray flooding the village and blocking out the sun. Creamy wind driven spume rolled in on top of ragged whitewater waves. The setting sun giving it all an apocalyptic sheen. Certainly the biggest waves I've ever seen. This image appeared in the Daily Mail online, Daily Star, Daily Mirror and the Times, and in the US National Examiner. Many thanks to Apex News Pics for getting it out there. Please get in touch if you'd like a print. Whilst ...