The Perfect Storm

The Perfect Storm

23^rd October 2012

After the calm comes the storm. The perfect storm.

During the night I was woken by the strong wind and rain playing havoc outside. Waking up early and standing at the kitchen window, armed with coffees, Mum and I stared out into the garden.

The tops of the pine trees were being tossed around by the wind. Pine cones were launched towards the ground, foliage was swept into the sky and every so often, loud thuds would confirm another tree branch had lost the fight against the raging wind. In the corner of the garden, an entire tree, one of the smaller pines, had given way. The roots spiking out of the ground, the tree was now feebly propped up against the fence. The swimming pool, once clean and crystal clear was now sporting a coat of dust, cones and pine needles.

Turning on the local news, the presenter confirmed Uruguay has issued a red alert. We are in the midst of a perfect storm. School, offices and local businesses had been closed down until further notice. Footage even showed a massive tornado ripping its way through La Rocha. The waves at Montevideo were surpassing the beach walls, engulfing passing vehicles. The winds, however, were at their strongest in Punta del Este (where I live), reaching top speeds of 181km/h.

Although it’s very nice taking photos of pretty, picturesque scenery, fit for a holiday magazine, it’s the bad weather that’ll provide a photographer with some of the most stunning and effective shots imaginable.

Grabbing my camera and ignoring the weather warnings to stay indoors, Mum and I jumped in the car. We decided to have a look at Punta Ballena (Whale Point) and work our way back to Punta del Este. The drive was slow. Parts of the road were completely covered in sand. The wind continuously threatening to take my car off the road.

Punta Ballena

Punta Ballena was a sight to see. The waves were ferociously crashing against the rockery. Parking the car near a quaint little cottage on the rockery. The eased up enough to allow me to get out with my camera. The enormous waves were higher than the single story building. The crashing waves sent up almighty sprays of water, enveloping the property. One side of the stone cottage was smothered in beige, brown sea foam. When the wind blew, the foam was swept away, scattering across the land as if it were snow.

Scrambling into the car when the heavens opened again. I drove a couple of hundred meters to the very point of Punta Ballena. Turning off the engine, a loud whistle filled the car and the wind rumbling against the vehicle. The car shook frantically from side to side, until you could almost feel it tilting us to the right. Both my Mum and I were genuinely expecting the car to topple over. After only a couple of seconds, it was enough for Mother Nature to let us know we weren’t welcome.

Cottage by the Sea

One of my favourite places in Uruguay to take photos is just off Punta Ballena. It’s a narrow strip of bay with a ragged wall of rocks running along either side. At one end is the sea, while at the other is a deep cave. Looking down, as we were leaving Punta Ballena, the monstrous waves were swallowing the area, sending a dense spray high into the air. A spectacular sight!

Driving down to my favourite beauty spot, it soon became evident that the high tide and colossal waves weren’t going to let us even step foot onto the beach. Sitting in the car, shooting out of the window, I tried to catch the waves smashing into the rocks only to be met by heavy sheets of rain. Watching the scene in front of us, I noticed the tide was coming in further. Soon the car park, situated about a metre above the beach, would be flooded. It was time to leave before getting caught out and stuck in the mix of mud and sand.

Ahead of us, the town of Punta del Este looked to be clearing. The tower blocks were peeking through the mist and the rain was settling down. Isla de los Lobos with no longer completely hidden in the overpowering fog.

 

The palm trees at the Conrad Hotel were violently dancing against the wind and the streets of Punta del Este were deserted. Signs had been flattened and left in tatters, spread out along the side of the road. Not far along, my Mum spotted something lying on the beach. Pulling over, it was an enormous sea lion, its face now bare bone. A few seagulls were certainly making a meal out of what was left of the sea lion!

Parking up just outside Punta del Este port, we had a walk along to the view point. The sea was lapping at the sides of the wooden walk way. The yachts in the harbour were swaying to and fro, making me wonder what it must be like to sail in such a small vessel during such weather. Taking a couple of photos of my Mum, holding on to her hat as the wind threatened to snatch it from on top of her head, we couldn’t help but stare in amazement at our surroundings. 

View Point

Just as we turned to make our way back to the car, a wave hit the side of the view point, splashing water up to our knees and squirting upwards through the gaps in the wooden floor panels. You couldn’t help but laugh as we waddled along back to the car, taking a couple of side steps as the wind took hold of us.

Hold on to Your Hats!

 

At Playa de los Ingleses, the road is roughly three meters above sea level. The waves were slapping against and over the concrete wall lining the beach and road, sending bucket loads of water onto the road. You’re completely blind for a couple of seconds as the sea water covers the windscreen. An Argentinian 4x4 had parked up on the side of the road closest to the sea. Inside children were screaming at the top of their lungs and laughing their heads off as a wave splashed up against the wall and over the car.

Parking on the opposite side of the road, I got out to take photographs. I wasn’t the only one. Mum staying in the car, winding the window down to get a better look. The car was now completely covered in sea scum, staining the windows, making them difficult to see out of. A massive wave hit the wall, followed by a succession of splashed as the wave made its way along the curved wall. It was absolutely amazing to see. It wasn’t long until the road was flooded!

Moving along, we parked up at the corner of Playa de los Ingleses to watch the waves make their way along the way. A different angle of view. My Mum’s window was still down and I could see a wave coming.

“Mum, don’t you think you should do your window up?”

“Oh yeah” she’s forgot the window was left open.

Not really seeing what was going to happen, she slowly started to wind up the window (Chinese cars without electric windows – great stuff!) and guess what happened next? Two waves crashed into each other, before hitting the wall, sending gallons of water up into the air and straight through the open window. Freezing for a couple of seconds, we were soaked.

Looking at my Mum, she started to laugh before saying something typical “I didn’t think that was going to happen!” Howling with laughter, soaking wet and somehow my camera, perched on Mum’s lap, was dry. What was Dad going to say?

All we can say is, he missed a bloody good day out. Best part of all, I’ve got the photos of Uruguay’s perfect storm prove it!

For more photos go to www.facebook.com/TicklePhotography

My Mum Punta del Este Port