Some More Aerial Shots

A quick visit to London gave another opportunity to see some great sea kayaking venues from the air.  Yesterdays flight to Gatwick was reasonably smooth but today's return flight was a bit different.  The sharp rain showers over SE England today created some initial turbulence as we climbed to our cruising altitude after that though it was the spectacular cloud formations which caught my attention.
So next time you jump on a flight remember to keep your camera handy for those unusual shots.  Just make sure that you don't repeat the mistake I made two years ago, flying out of Kangerlussuaq back to Copenhagen I managed to get a window seat for those stunning shots of the ice cap.  I think they were great shots but I never saw them as I left the camera in the seat pocket.  The most disappointing thing was that there were also 400 other photographs on the camera taken on our 3 week paddle in Disko Bay.  The moral of the story is always check that you have your personal belongings, just like the Cabin Crew recommend.

Bouley Bay on the north coast of Jersey.  It is probably the beach on the island with the steepest profile so its popular on spring tides as it is not too far to carry the kayaks.

Rozel Bay on the north east corner of the island.  The headland in sunshine is Tour de Rozel, the location of one of the finest tide races off Jersey.

Leaving the north coast of the island behind, climbing to the north.  The western parts of the island are covered in cloud.

Alderney, the most northerly of the islands.  The sea area below the island is the infamous Alderney Race.

Once across the Channel we started our descent into Gatwick.  This is the entrance to Chichester Harbour.  Note the area of confused water to towards the lower edge of the picture.

 

The disused airfield of Thorney Island is clearly visible from the air.

 Heading south this morning.  Although we were flying at 19,000 feet there were clouds towering above the aircraft.  This is mid channel, in the middle of the picture it is possible to see a ship, this is Condor Ferries from Portsmouth on its way to Jersey.

Cap de la Hague, the north western tip of Normandy.  The fast moving tidal streams in this area are clearly visible and at this time we were still well above 10,000 feet.

A low turn over the Ecrehous at low water.  It is only from the air that the full extent of the exposed rocks can be appreciated.

The southerly wind was blowing about force 5 with the waves breaking on some offshore sand banks.

Final approach across Jersey, this is the east with the magnificent sweep of the Royal Bay of Grouville and the drying area of the south east corner beyond.