The distance between two points always look(s) shorter on a map than in real life! (The S in Look is needed I think) (if wrong correct me in comments :)
It is describing an ocean and a situation involving dangerous tidal waves and talking about how a sea of sort is washing up more sand to suck in wet stones for them to be dug under neath sand.
To moisten. Baste means to use the chickens juices to make the chicken more juicy
