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Time and tide waits for no man... or dog

A SERENE atmosphere enveloped spectators as yesterday’s high tide spilled over the Town quayside.

Steve Le Poidevin, owner of Balthazar – Seafood, Bar & Grill, takes a rest. (Picture by Sophie Rabey, 27443209)
Steve Le Poidevin, owner of Balthazar – Seafood, Bar & Grill, takes a rest. (Picture by Sophie Rabey, 27443209) / Guernsey Press

The road was again closed in the morning as a protective measure.

Instead of rush-hour traffic, it became a promenade where people enjoyed the sunshine.

Sarah Thackeray stood alongside Brian Clancy as the high tide peaked to take in the view.

‘We accidentally met here and decided to stay to watch as the tide comes in and out,’ she said.

‘With all that’s going on with coronavirus, it’s nice to just take a moment to see the tide.’

Picture by Sophie Rabey.  12-03-20.  High Tide at 10.2m for the second day running.  The Seafront was closed again as the water was flooding the road, lots of people were out to have a look.  Bailey the dog was enjoying the high water levels.. (27443211)
Picture by Sophie Rabey. 12-03-20. High Tide at 10.2m for the second day running. The Seafront was closed again as the water was flooding the road, lots of people were out to have a look. Bailey the dog was enjoying the high water levels.. (27443211) / Guernsey Press

Mr Clancy said: ‘When we first arrived we could stand at the railings, but since then we’ve been gently walking backwards.’

To make the most of the opportunity, Tim Langlois made the journey into Town to take some photographs.

‘There’s some good angles from the pontoon. It’s quite unusual isn’t it? The combination of the tide and beautiful weather is very serene.’

Photographers Mark Windsor and Paul Chambers were stationed nearby with cameras at the ready.

Mr Windsor said: ‘It’s important to document moments like this. It doesn’t happen very often.’

Picture by Sophie Rabey.  12-03-20.  High Tide at 10.2m for the second day running.  The Seafront was closed again as the water was flooding the road, lots of people were out to have a look.. (27443205)
Picture by Sophie Rabey. 12-03-20. High Tide at 10.2m for the second day running. The Seafront was closed again as the water was flooding the road, lots of people were out to have a look.. (27443205) / Guernsey Press

Mr Chambers said: ‘We didn’t want to miss it. Although the tide has now peaked, it’s nice to be here still.’

Many cameras could be seen as crowds gathered to take in the scene.

Tom Welch returned yesterday morning to get some daytime photos.

‘I saw the high tide yesterday and brought my camera down. At about 10 to eight last night it started coming over, it was completely across the road.

‘One of the beautiful things you get in Guernsey is the sea, it’s nice to cherish it for a minute and take time out in the day to appreciate it.’

Picture by Sophie Rabey.  12-03-20.  High Tide at 10.2m for the second day running.  The Seafront was closed again as the water was flooding the road, lots of people were out to have a look.. (27443203)
Picture by Sophie Rabey. 12-03-20. High Tide at 10.2m for the second day running. The Seafront was closed again as the water was flooding the road, lots of people were out to have a look.. (27443203) / Guernsey Press

Hearts were warmed as Daniel Bunn walked his dog Bailey, who gleefully played in the sea on their unusual morning walk.

‘It’s really lovely today. Our usual haunt is The Boathouse, where he can go for his swims.

‘He keeps putting his head underwater because he thinks the white painted lines are stones.’

Richard Poat used to come to see the high tides as a little boy.

Picture by Sophie Rabey.  12-03-20.  High Tide at 10.2m for the second day running.  The Seafront was closed again as the water was flooding the road, lots of people were out to have a look.. (27443215)
Picture by Sophie Rabey. 12-03-20. High Tide at 10.2m for the second day running. The Seafront was closed again as the water was flooding the road, lots of people were out to have a look.. (27443215) / Guernsey Press

‘People say it’s from global warming, but I can vouch for the last 50 years. Plastic bags, fine, but you’re not going to stop the tides.

‘I was brought up near Bordeaux and I remember some years even higher tides. It’s impressive but it’s not new, though I always love to see it.’

Stones and debris was strewn across the road by the slipway near the Red Lion at 9am, leading drivers to carefully pass through on their commutes.

Defences used to close off the slipway lay nearby.

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