views of the island with the help of a digital camera
'Ormering tide', creates an impulse in the Guernseyman akin to the compulsion in a lemming, the need to head for a favourite piece of shore and hunt the ormer (haliotis tuberculata, sea ear, abalone).
This creature is a mullusc, closely related to the snail or slug and whilst distributes arround the world,is found as different species. That found in the Channel Islands can grow to about 15cm, and must be at least 8cm long to be able to be legally collected on an 'ormering tide'.
This collection of images covers two occasions, one in January and the other in March. Part of the thrill is not just catching the ormer, but also to enjoy the wide and diverse range of creatures which can be found at the low water mark.
We didn't find any ormers of 8cm or more - so came away disappointed, but still satisfied in having been 'ormering'!
I have taken to carrying my camera with me 'just in case' - it has been worth while.
Incidentally, the traditional garments should be wellies, trousers and a 'Guernsey', accompanied by an ormering hook, and a container for the catches which on occasions can be lobster as well as ormers, shankers (edible crab) and lady crabs.
My father and granfather used to go ormering in the 40s and 50s, come back with 12 dozen each and check if more were needed - often they returned for another 6 dozen which would be pickled, baked, and/or distributed amongst neighbours. There was nothing to beat the smell and tast of 'a feed of ormers' with mash, peas and gravy.
N.B. These pages are experimental - image sizes have been reduced to economise on space and downloading times from their original quality - 138k ->20 to 30k.