Spring Tide

Granted, we haven't been here long, but I'm nevertheless amazed at the drastic differences in the Bay from one day to the next. Tonight, the water is as smooth as glass and we can see the reflections of lights from Gibson Island shimmering softly in the darkness. After Saturday night's relentless winds, I was surprised to awaken Sunday morning to dry land beneath our dock and for acres around the beach and rock jetty. Having previously watched the water fluctuate no more than 6 or 8 inches, I was amazed at the drastic change. Some internet research reveals that, with a full January moon, we're experiencing something called a Spring Tide. I've heard the term before but thought it referred to a season. It doesn't. It's just something that happens when the earth, sun, and moon are in a straight line and gravitational forces cause higher high tides and lower lows. The strong winds from the North enhanced the fluctuation by blowing Chesapeake waters out into the Atlantic. This picture of our high and dry dock shows the result! I hyperlinked to a couple of sites with more information. It'll be interesting to see how often we see the tides this low here at Lake Placid. I'm sure this is all very elementary to long time Bay dwellers, but I'm enjoying the daily nature classes! -Shawn