"High Tide of the Century" at Carentan's sea lock

Spring tides, generated by the proximity of the moon to the earth, can be both spectacular and dangerous.  (The French concept of "century" in this context in fact means eighteen years.)

The sea is lapping about four inches below the top of the lock gate.  Carentan's mayor has come to inspect the event, accompanied by an official to take precise measurements of the water level.  The next tide will be a little higher still.

Click for a photo taken last December from a viewpoint close to the capstan at the left of this photo.