Spring tide and storm coincide on 23rd June 2009 in Kommetjie

A huge storm and spring tide coincided on Tuesday 23rd June 2009. Waves of 5 - 7 metres caused the water to wash over the banks and path leaving huge mounds of kelp on the catwalk.

The island that separates the inner and outer kom was awash and waves came in in quick succession.

As usual we had some surfers who braved the weather to surf in weather where most people wouldn't even put their noses out the door never mind their bodies in cold water and the wind blowing a gale. Different strokes for different folks. I think my blood would curdle if I tried this, they are very brave.

There are more photos on my web album. Here is the link to it: http://picasaweb.google.com/sonja.wilker/KommetjieStormInJuly2009#

Pygmy Whales stranded on Kommetjie Beach

What a very sad experience it was to see these exquisite creatures' dead bodies being washed in the waves. There were many spectators, so much so that it caused a traffic jam in our usually quiet suburb. One wonders at the reason for the Pygmy whale pod getting stranded on the beach. There is a lot of conjecture. Hopefully the research will throw some light on the subject. I saw quite a number of blue-bottles washed-up all along Long beach to Kommetjie and was wondering if whales and dolphins are immune to their sting or not, and whether they had anything to do with the beaching.