On saturday the 25th a man and a 6 year old boy were both swept out to sea near Shore Acres State Park. Both drowned. The boy's body was recovered, but after extensive searching, the Coast Guard called an end to the search for the man.
It was a beatiful day, very warm, and no wind to speak of. The waves were another story though. They were enormous. I live 10 minutes from Shore Acres, and visit at least once a week, usually more. I have never seen waves so big on a perfectly calm day. It was quite a sight to see.
Now, I don't want to sound like your mothers, but keep in mind the dangers of the Pacific Coast. This time of year with the seasons changing, the currents are deceptively strong. I'll be the first to admit that I push the limits from time to time, and have had my share of close calls. Last September, I was wiped out by a rogue wave from all the way on top of a cliff, ruining my brand new 40D and tokina 12-24. I was lucky, and I should have known better. I was testing my luck all for a photo, and lost.
I didn't personally see the people go into the water, but was in the area, and spent most of the day watching the Coast Guard search effort. It was a good reminder of the time I lucked out, and I just want to pass it along.
Be safe, and if you see someone doing something unsafe, let them know. I have lived on the coast my whole life and am always amazed at how people who are not from here can underestimate the power of the pacific ocean. OK, I'm stepping down from my soapbox....
Discussion
2 repliesIt was a beatiful day, very warm, and no wind to speak of. The waves were another story though. They were enormous. I live 10 minutes from Shore Acres, and visit at least once a week, usually more. I have never seen waves so big on a perfectly calm day. It was quite a sight to see.
Now, I don't want to sound like your mothers, but keep in mind the dangers of the Pacific Coast. This time of year with the seasons changing, the currents are deceptively strong. I'll be the first to admit that I push the limits from time to time, and have had my share of close calls. Last September, I was wiped out by a rogue wave from all the way on top of a cliff, ruining my brand new 40D and tokina 12-24. I was lucky, and I should have known better. I was testing my luck all for a photo, and lost.
I didn't personally see the people go into the water, but was in the area, and spent most of the day watching the Coast Guard search effort. It was a good reminder of the time I lucked out, and I just want to pass it along.
Be safe, and if you see someone doing something unsafe, let them know. I have lived on the coast my whole life and am always amazed at how people who are not from here can underestimate the power of the pacific ocean. OK, I'm stepping down from my soapbox....
-Aaron