Plundering. April 1826. A French ship, the Ocean, parted from her cables in St Ives Bay and was driven ashore on Hayle Bar. Local residents, mainly women, plundered the ship's stores which included wine and spirits - and in due course became intoxicated. In the struggles that followed for possession of the plunder 'a variety of contests, some of them of the most ludicrous description, took place'. So writes John Higgans on his 'Crime in Hayle' pages. This report was taken from one of the local newspapers of that time and it, among others, gives a fascinating insight into the seedier lifestyle some either chose or were forced to follow. Before Hayle was established, the Irish and Breton ships used the estuary while trading for tin, essential for making bronze weapons and tools. This was 2000 - 1500 BC. Today though, it is locals and tourists alike who visit the 3 miles of golden sands whichi stretch from St Ives to Godrevy. The dunes are called 'The Towans' in Kernewk, the Cornish language for 'sand dune' and the walk from Hayle to Gwithian Bridge is one of the most beautiful, not to mention, easiest walks in Cornwall. Apart from the beauty it is rife with wildlife. The silver studded blue butterfly can still be found here (until I arrive - whence it flutters elsewhere!) and it is wonderful to watch the skylark lift itself vertically skyward! Slow worms, adders and lizards all do well within the relative safety of the dunes. The Estuary is also an important RSPB site, 'Twitchers' abounding its shoreline during autumn and winter. Because of the placement of the Estuary, the tide arrives in a most peculiar manner, seemingly split into three distinct washes and the colour is a miriad of different shades of blue and aqua. Thank you for taking the time to look and the faves. ^=^