Storm Watching in Lyme Regis
From April showers to April storms, Lyme Regis has transformed itself from an idyllic haven for messing about in boats and strolling along the beach to a dramatic amphitheatre in which to wonder at the forces of nature.
The storm blew up from the south-west and storm watchers look on, enthralled and exhilarated as the huge waves whipped up by the wind crash over the Cobb, sending spray high above the Aquarium and Old Customs House clinging valiantly to the harbour wall. The waves thunder along the shore, sucking up the pebbles in their cavernous mouths and spewing them out higher up the beach as they break and roar against Marine Parade.
Along the coast the waves batter the shoreline and fossil hunters wait, rubbing their hands in glee and eager anticipation of the treasures that may be revealed when the storm and seas recede. The trees on the Undercliff moan and howl as the wind whips through them; the beach huts on Monmouth creak and groan; the rigging in the sailboats clatters tumultuously, and the gulls shriek with rage as they are buffeted and swept along on the wings of the storm.
It’s a photographer’s paradise, whether you’re cosily tucked up in your Lyme Regis B&B, a beachfront cafe with a steaming mug of hot chocolate or huddled in a shelter high in Langmoor Gardens. The storm’s a dramatic and exhilarating reminder of the power and beauty of nature in all its guises.
Stephanie Colston, By the Bay
Published on 29/04/2012.
