Through the Car Wash

Whilst browsing through photographs to find pics of previous cars I've owned, I was reminded of an incident that happened about 20 yrs ago when I stumbled across two photos.
To set the scene, the photo below is Constantine Bay (in the summer) with the tide almost in.

By goblin1963 at 2011-11-12

When the tide is out it leaves an expanse of relatively flat sand with the odd pool of water here and there.
Anyway, the story starts on one New Year's Eve as I was walking back along the beach. The tide was out and the peace was shattered when two young lads appeared on the beach; one driving a Range Rover and the other a Ragtop Diahatsu (sp). They were larking about on the flat sand and generally doing what young lads do - showing off.
After about 10 minutes though, the Diahatsu suddenly stopped. I suspect it had hit one of the pools which was probably a bit deeper than they thought and the resultant water splash had 'interrupted' something. After a few minutes of trying to get it started the other one decided to pull in front of it to tow it ..... but suddenly, this one stopped too and it wouldn't start.
By now, with nature working the way nature does, the tide had started to come in and before too long it was lapping around the wheels. It was at this time one of them decided to run off for help. Ten minutes later he returned with a local farmer and a tractor. The water was now making it's way up to the sills, the farmer took one look, shook his head and left! The two drivers returned to the vehicles for one final go at starting them before locking the doors?? and leaving. Being inquisitive as to what would happen next the gathered crowd of about 10 of us decided to stay and watch a while longer:


By goblin1963 at 2011-11-12

Alarms started to go off and the waves started to rock the cars. It was getting late so I went, but decided to return the next morning to see the results. Two heavy tides had pushed the cars up the beach and they were unrecognisable, both basically rusting, crushed shells.


By goblin1963 at 2011-11-12

I was talking to someone a few days later about it and was told an unconfirmed story that the Range Rover was recently bought new by the lady who ran the hostelry on the next beach over and that her son had 'borrowed' the car. Also heard unconfirmed rumours that the insurance company wouldn't pay out as it wasn't insured for off road use.

Never underestimate the power of the sea!!

Whoops! :whistle:

Great cautionary tale! you'll never get my cars on the beach (was that my ML on Harlyn beach 2 weeks ago - opps) :oops: