Chasing the Severn Bore

Yesterday morning we got up early to go down to the banks of the River Severn at Stonebridge in Gloucestershire, close to where my parents live.  Our aim: to see the biggest tidal bore of the year so far. 

The Severn Bore is a large surge wave that can be seen in the river estuary, where the tidal range is the 2nd highest in the world, as much as 50 feet (about 15.4m).

We arrived at about 9.30am - the ETA of the bore was 10.05am.  Quite a few people showed up for this Easter Sunday spectacular.  The river was so still, but for a very gentle current.  No wind, and happily, no rain.  

Some cool reflections going on...

A bit of waiting and enjoying time with family...

The bore finally arrived at about 10.15am, to much excitement of those gathered on the river bank...

 

It passed by with a few speedboats on its crest and in its wake...

And then it was gone, as fast as it had arrived!

The waters remain choppy for some hours after a bore as the wave continues to fight against the river's current.

It's years since I have been down to the river to witness this phenomenon - what a way to start off Easter Sunday!

For more information on Bores, click here.