Ocean spray

Tropical islands make you think of warm, still waters and sheltered coral reefs. But the west coast of Boa Vista in the Cape Verde archipelago off Africa faces the full might of the Atlantic Ocean, and quite often the sea is king.

During my recent stay the nearest stretch of Chaves Beach was red-flagged at all times – too dangerous for swimming. This didn’t stop holidaymakers edging close to the crashing waves and others – including myself – from taking photographs. Even I lost a shoe, although the sea spat it back in disgust.

While it was hard to take a dip, the pounding ocean was welcome. I could hear the ebb and flow of the robust tide while I was heading to sleep, which turned out to be oddly soothing.

Click first image to view this selection

Tags: Africa, Atlantic Ocean, Boa Vista, Cape Verde, coast, holidays, lifeguards, nature, photography, Praia de Chaves, red flag, seaside, travel, vacation

18 thoughts on “Ocean spray”

dianaed14 on October 14, 2018 at 10:56 said:

Really great images – although I live by the sea have not thought about taking black and white – why I wonder

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- mikeosbornphoto on October 14, 2018 at 12:43 said:
  
  Thank you Diana. It can add a touch of drama to the frame.
  
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cindy knoke on November 8, 2014 at 22:31 said:

Spectacular!

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- mikeosbornphoto on November 9, 2014 at 09:12 said:
  
  Thank you Cindy, I’m glad you like them :)
  
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janetweightreed10 on November 8, 2014 at 17:52 said:

Love these.

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- mikeosbornphoto on November 8, 2014 at 18:11 said:
  
  Thank you very much, Janet. Enough to blow the cobwebs away!
  
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María on November 8, 2014 at 16:44 said:

Reblogged this on Trópico de cáncer.

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ckponderings on November 3, 2014 at 06:31 said:

A great set of images, and it looks pretty deserted at this time of year!

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- mikeosbornphoto on November 3, 2014 at 11:45 said:
  
  Thanks Richard. Well, it wasn’t exactly Brighton beach on a warm Bank Holiday. A walk over the dunes and there was hardly a soul around – more on that to come soon!
  
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  - ckponderings on November 3, 2014 at 13:23 said:
    
    Bliss! :D
    
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Mark Simms on November 2, 2014 at 12:38 said:

Lovely shots.

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- mikeosbornphoto on November 2, 2014 at 12:50 said:
  
  Thanks Mark. The sea at its mightiest.
  
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Malin H on November 2, 2014 at 11:41 said:

Fabulous images, Mike.

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- mikeosbornphoto on November 2, 2014 at 11:42 said:
  
  Thank you very much, Malin. All that power…
  
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  - Malin H on November 2, 2014 at 11:43 said:
    
    Oh yes! Agreed… And we have to respect that power too.
    
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    - mikeosbornphoto on November 2, 2014 at 11:44 said:
      
      Well indeed. I think the sunbathing lady forgot about that for a second!
      
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Cos on November 2, 2014 at 09:47 said:

Impressive waves! Such a shame you couldn’t take a dive to refresh. Beautiful captured, by the way :-)

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- mikeosbornphoto on November 2, 2014 at 09:49 said:
  
  Thank you Koos! No, I had to use the hotel pool instead and take the odd paddle. I can see why people are drawn to it (including me :-)
  
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