In Google Maps, there is a feature whereby you can go back in time and see photographs of a place and observe how it was in the past and how it has changed and developed. This is only possible when that place has been photographed in the past

I took a screenshot to see the mangroves from above. These Mangroves forests are scattered around Abu Dhabi islands and surrounding areas. Sadly, though I couldn’t use the Maps feature to see the mangroves in the past

It’s interesting how you can zoom in quite closely and see what isn’t always visible from the ground. In the view from my window, it seems there are lots of trees in the mangroves across the water. However, when I view it from the satellite map they’re very sparse not nearly as many as would appear to be from the ground. 

From the window I can observe the tidal flow as it changes during the day.

The water that flows here is salt water

The water that flows here is tidal

The water that flows here around the mangrove trees

The water that flows here is in sync with the moon

The water that flows here is life-giving

The mystery of the life that can grow in saltwater

Grow and thrive in saltwater

Roots in mud, grey clay-like mud

Roots where fish spawn Where crabs live and birds roost

The water as it flows in and out has formed channels and waterways in the sand and the clay in the ground around the trees

I’m sitting in a kayak, waiting for the tide to change

Waiting in stillness and wonder

When there!

The vertical tree roots begin to vibrate, to nod, to twitch, as the tidal water flows through them, and carries the kayak back to the main channel and home.