Off the Welsh coast where I live, there is a stretch of water that behaves very differently than the surrounding sea. Huge rolling waves are pushed up steeply and close together, even on an otherwise calm day. If conditions are rough, then the effect is magnified. This local phenomenon occurs on an ebbing tide and is caused by the underwater topography. 'The overfalls, ' as they are known, are therefore fairly predictable, but the waves created are erratic and difficult to navigate; it's always best to go around them!

As always I think about these natural events metaphorically; When we know that certain events in life are going to be difficult, it is good to recognise the patterns in advance. Then we can safely navigate a different path or wait for calmer times.