THE VERNAL SPRINGS
The novel is set in the spring time, hence the sub title
The Vernal Springs refers to the spring tides which are at the strongest at the
equinox. The highest tide occurs just after the full moon which is
particularly powerful and large in the spring – milk, flower or hare moon, and
the autumn – a harvest moon.
At low tide the sea recedes a long way for just over six
hours when it begins to flood and cover everything that was revealed on the ebb
tide. Full time immemorial animal and avian scavengers have foraged the rocks
for anything edible. Humans have searched the same areas for such species such
as mussels, cockles and all molluscs and crustaceans and various fish that get
stranded and make fairly easy pickings.
The rocks, pools and various nooks and crannies where
shellfish can be found have become known over the generations. These can be
secrets that are closely guarded by the families of the local population. This
story is of a young person discovering the fascinating life that can be found
on the intertidal zones.
Many beaches are popular in the summer with visitors on
a seaside holiday. Yet the areas of rocks that surround most bays are alive
with a fascinating array of marine life that is uncovered on a low spring
tide. With a little guidance and a lot of common sense there is a host of life
of the creatures of the seashore and the aquatic plants to be discovered.
It is very important not to damage the fragile ecosystem
of the intertidal areas. For example if any stones or boulders are moved to
look for life underneath, they should be returned to the same position for the
life that inhabits the underside is very different from the plants and animals
on the top exposed side.
Importantly, do not remove anything from the rocks
without a specific purpose. If you are lucky enough to find some winkles,
mussels or prawns, only take exactly what you need for a tasty snack. Remember
to familiarise yourselves with and local bylaws on taking fish and foraging
from the seashore. I’ll recommend some guide books and websites to the
seashore.
Buy a copy of Tales of the Tides – The Vernal Springs to
help create interest in the seashore, particularly for younger members of the
family.
https://www.austinmacauley.com/book/tales-tides
Have a wonderful holiday discovering the seaside and having a safe time on the beach and rocks.
Tales of the Tides – The Vernal Springs –
by C D Pressdee Published by Austin Macauley 28 February 2022
On a warm spring day in the 1950s, twelve-year-old
Jason, an only child from the Midlands, arrives for a holiday in a small
seaside village where his father lived as a child. Staying with his uncle and
aunt, he plans to explore the rocks at low tide which his father remembers from
childhood. Soon he meets Joe, an old man who once was an expert fisher of the
shores. Joe becomes a mentor for the boy as he can describe, from memory, the
layout and secrets of the rocks. When he starts to investigate the shoreline, a
shy Jason meets Abby, a lively young Australian girl. As their friendship
grows, she comes to realise that he has a secret and is escaping from something
he’d rather not talk about. With more confidence, Jason becomes adept at
catching shellfish. Yet he encounters unexpected trouble, even in these
beautiful places, and will have to draw on his new resources to confront
possible obstacles ahead…
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