"Cut River" - two takes, work in progress

 "The Cut River was dug in the early 1600s and again in the first decade of the 1800s after the mouth of the river closed up. It provided an inland waterway from Green Harbor to Duxbury Bay and on to Plymouth Harbor and was safer than being on the open sea during storms. " from history of Green Harbor.  

There are lovely old homes on pilings along this tidal river that runs parallel to the ocean.  Several years ago I painted the oil study above with the backlit houses facing me, away from the ocean.  I positioned myself and easel behind a couple of businesses in a sandy parking area and began painting.  I looked down half hour later and noticed the water creeping up so I moved back, then back again 15 minutes later, then again, and packed up within about 35 minutes of first noticing the tide encroaching.   A gentleman in a local business said we were experiencing the highest non-storm tides seen there, occurring twice a year.  Fascinating, but not so conducive to a long painting session.  
Yesterday, I headed down that direction with my sketchbook, and settled in for a quick sketch and wash in.  I have to say, I first looked at a rock on the river's edge to see which way the tide was moving.. again incoming, though not quite so fast.  I laid in a pale wash to indicate where the light and shadow line is, and will complete the sketch here at home.  Interestingly, there is a whole new, and grandiose, home behind the closest homes.  Did I leave it out a couple of years ago, using artistic license?  I think not; more likely it was a tear down and rebuild.  Changing skyline. 
Will be fun to lay in the darks.  I love the bones of these homes.  

Thanks for looking.