It is a fascination and very fun for me to see how edits change the tone and feel of a picture! Even with black and white, just changing light and contrast makes a big difference. And of course also cropping comes into it as well. Cool shots, my friend, and thanks for sharing your thoughts on the editing!
I have heard from guys that sail on the Puget Sound about places that when the ebb tide is going out really makes for some interesting conditions!