Not much has changed this week. That brown stuff by the water is seaweed that rolled in with the shifting current. We have also been having a rough time with Red Tide. This is an algae bloom in the Gulf that is totally toxic to wildlife. The waves roll across the tide and the wind vaporizes the algae and so the air becomes filled with spores which cause itchy eyes, sore throat, coughing and respiratory problems. It has been with us now for four days. It is more or less like living in heavy air pollution. The difference is it is invisible. The other problem is large fish kills which have not washed up on our beach yet but are further North. We have to be careful and not allow the dogs to pick up anything on the beach in their mouth as the effect could be fatal. Some years the Red Tide is nonexistent and others very bad. The only thing that kills the algae is colder water but when the currents change and it moves out into deeper water we are spared the effects.
Last week’s photo.
Fiction Favorites 
Thanks for the interesting detail about the Red Tide. Now I remember hearing of it, way back when I’d visit Florida, but only vaguely. I’m sure it really messes with anyone who has bad allergies or asthma. Yeesh… you get away from the city and that kind of bad air quality, and something else shows up. Thanks for another interesting Sunday view, John. Hugs!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Teagan. Yeah, I have asthma and compromised immune system so I need to be careful. So far it is just annoying and not serious. (Study, study)
LikeLike
As you said, it’s invisible — so take care John. We had some terrible air quality for a couple of weeks in DC, then this prolonged sinus infection took over. Nothing quite like the burning lungs from bad air… Wishing you a clear sky (and beach!). Hugs.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks *Cough* Wine I need wine.
LikeLike
Remember hearing about the Red Tide long ago. Think it was in an oceanography class. Hope it passes soon. Does anyone know why some years are worse than others?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ll bet someone does. It may have to do with water temp, but I’m not sure.
LikeLike
Makes sense. Just a combination of forces.
LikeLiked by 1 person
And the nitrogen for growth of the algae (guess where that comes from?)
LikeLike
I should admit that I barely passed both chemistry and the chemistry sections of oceanography.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You get a star then
LikeLike
If it’s the kind from Super Mario Bros (invincibility) then awesome. 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
You got it.
LikeLike
I had heard about Red Tide before but I wasn’t aware that its effects could be so widespread. I hope that washes away soon. I remember large fish kills/deaths in Lake Erie back in the 60s, it’s a very sad thing to see.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes and it is dangerous to weaklings like me with asthma.
LikeLiked by 1 person
My daughter also has asthma, that’s kind of scary.
LikeLiked by 1 person
*puff* nothing modern medicine can’t handle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Horrible stuff that algae – murder keeping the dogs from picking stuff up too 😦 The view’s still beautiful though… 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, it is. We managed to keep their little piggy mouths off the beach so far.
LikeLike
Nature both deadly and beautiful!
LikeLiked by 1 person
All at the same time.
LikeLike
How to keep your hound from picking up a beach bonus. Boy, that is the question of the day. I suppose leashes are important at this time of year. Thanks for the little lesson on Red Tides. Totally intriguing, but for your sake, I hope short-lived. Cheers
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks. Leashes are a must. Quick yank is all it takes.
LikeLike
A lot more footprints this week. I wish mine were there! Thanks, John.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes there were a few folks out and about.
LikeLiked by 1 person
John, thank you for explaining about the Red Tide. I’ve heard that expression before when I was on the Mississippi Coast, but I admit I never took time to understand just what it meant. Your description was concise — sounds pretty dreadful, so I hope it goes away soon!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have heard of red tide for years, but didn’t really know what it was. Thanks for explaining it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks. Hope you never have to deal with it.
LikeLiked by 1 person