European Tribune - Community, Politics & Progress.

The seaside in Autumn (graphics heavy)

by In Wales
Sun Nov 12th, 2006 at 10:03:40 AM EST

I have a thing about piers, I just love them. In particular I love out of season piers around seaside towns, which I think stems from childhood and the short time I lived in Bognor Regis (of all places...)

The photos here were taken last week in Llandudno, early in the morning and late at night when I would otherwise have been sleeping. I was supposedly staffing a conference but just kept staring out to sea.

I find there is a kind of eerie beauty about empty piers. The rock and souvenier stalls are all shut up, the garish plastic amusements and rides are folded away, no music is playing. It's not even sleeping, it's just waiting. Waiting for people to come back and fill it up with energy and life again.

The landscapes in Llandudno are absolutely gorgeous. I first went there with my school when I was 5 and remember the pebbly shingles on the beaches, and of course the tram! It shut in October so I couldn't go up on the tram again this time.

It is still all lit up at night, as though it is pretending it isn't really a ghost for the season.

And some gratutious arty shots. I had a great time playing with my camera, just a shame I didn't have more time.

And of course it is autumn, and there are few places so beautiful (in my opinion) as the Welsh mountains and valleys as the colours turn. This was taken somewhere on the way home.

I'll be posting something more substantial on any number of topics ranging from trade union membership to social constructions of poverty to why I'm unlikely to ever obtain a decent sized pension, once my next essay is out of the way.

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The seaside in Autumn (graphics heavy) | 63 comments (63 topical, 0 editorial, 0 hidden)

Re: The seaside in Autumn (graphics heavy) (none / 1)

Awesome! You struck a chord with me! I grew up in a place called Balboa Island, and spent a lot of time around piers (swimming, sailing, trying to catch various sea creatures, etc). Nicve surprise!!

And...beautiful photos of your area too...thank you VERY much!!!!

"Once in awhile we get shown the light, in the strangest of places, if we look at it right" - Hunter/Garcia

by whataboutbob on Sun Nov 12th, 2006 at 10:26:40 AM EST

Re: The seaside in Autumn (graphics heavy) (none / 0)

I'm so glad you like it, thank you!

Ad astra per aspera

by In Wales (inwales aaat eurotrib.com) on Sun Nov 12th, 2006 at 10:36:19 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The seaside in Autumn (graphics heavy) (none / 0)

Great pictures - looks like a place worthwhile visiting. I always liked coasts and ocean. Though I do not like to grill in the sun, I like long walks along he the ocean.

Thanks for the diary!

by Fran (fran at eurotrib dot com) on Sun Nov 12th, 2006 at 10:58:31 AM EST

Re: The seaside in Autumn (graphics heavy) (none / 0)

Beatiful and well composed. Thank you.

Our knowledge has surpassed our wisdom. -Charu Saxena.

by metavision on Sun Nov 12th, 2006 at 11:18:38 AM EST

Re: The seaside in Autumn (graphics heavy) (4.00 / 4)

If only I'd have seen this earlier, I would have headed off to the seaside myself. but here's some pictures from last weeks trip

If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the precipitate.

by ceebs (ceebs (at) eurotrib (dot) com) on Sun Nov 12th, 2006 at 12:02:41 PM EST

Re: The seaside in Autumn (graphics heavy) (none / 1)

It looks familiar but I can't remember where it is other than it being in Ceredigion? I had chips there, loved the colourful houses.

Ad astra per aspera

by In Wales (inwales aaat eurotrib.com) on Sun Nov 12th, 2006 at 12:14:46 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The seaside in Autumn (graphics heavy) (none / 1)

Ah I nearly added a picture of the icecream from there as well, It's a small town called Aberaeron

The icecream is probably worth the trip on its own, made with local hunny.

If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the precipitate.

by ceebs (ceebs (at) eurotrib (dot) com) on Sun Nov 12th, 2006 at 12:18:14 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The seaside in Autumn (graphics heavy) (none / 0)

I visited a few months ago when I was auditing the local council (dull job indeed, very glad I don't do that anymore!) It's a sweet little town.

Ad astra per aspera

by In Wales (inwales aaat eurotrib.com) on Sun Nov 12th, 2006 at 12:22:19 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The seaside in Autumn (graphics heavy) (none / 0)

Ah it's ten miles down the road from my house, so a frequent place to visit. several friends of mine work at the council, so may have run into you.

What were you auditing them for?

If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the precipitate.

by ceebs (ceebs (at) eurotrib (dot) com) on Sun Nov 12th, 2006 at 12:38:33 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The seaside in Autumn (graphics heavy) (none / 0)

I was working on an audit of Welsh Assembly Government policy on physical activity and we were looking at how local authorities were engaging with the agenda (Climbing Higher). Technically I wasn't auditing the authority itself, but the Assembly policies and their effectiveness.

Ad astra per aspera

by In Wales (inwales aaat eurotrib.com) on Sun Nov 12th, 2006 at 12:43:07 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The seaside in Autumn (graphics heavy) (none / 0)

Bleugh! that sounds fun

If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the precipitate.

by ceebs (ceebs (at) eurotrib (dot) com) on Sun Nov 12th, 2006 at 12:45:43 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The seaside in Autumn (graphics heavy) (none / 0)

Indeed, I'm glad it isn't my job anymore. Although that said, there were some really impressive local schemes across Wales, mostly funded by the European Structural Fund grants.

Ad astra per aspera

by In Wales (inwales aaat eurotrib.com) on Sun Nov 12th, 2006 at 12:50:43 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The seaside in Autumn (graphics heavy) (none / 0)

Thank god for European money, it does keep a lot of peoiple in my area in work.

If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the precipitate.

by ceebs (ceebs (at) eurotrib (dot) com) on Sun Nov 12th, 2006 at 12:54:06 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The seaside in Autumn (graphics heavy) (none / 1)

What bugs me greatly with european and lottery funded projects is the lack of sustainability when the funding runs out. I've seen some outstanding projects that have reached out and tackled some significant social issues so well and then funding ends and if they are lucky, the schemes can be broken up and bits of it carried on, but so often the whole thing ends because it can't find funding or sustain itself.

Also when auditing policies and requesting information from project officers (especially Communities First), they struggle massively to give any breakdown on spending, progress against objectives and numbers using the project, which makes it so hard to find the evidence to support continuation of successful schemes.

I now manage a DTI funded project and the broad range of skills I need to do all aspects of the job competently is hard to come by especially when you look at the salaries for project officer type jobs of this kind. Perhaps fault lies with there not being better training and support for people managing community schemes?

Hmmm, I didn't expect seaside photos to bring me over to this topic!

Ad astra per aspera

by In Wales (inwales aaat eurotrib.com) on Sun Nov 12th, 2006 at 01:15:02 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The seaside in Autumn (graphics heavy) (none / 0)

it does sound too much like work

have some ice-cream

If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the precipitate.

by ceebs (ceebs (at) eurotrib (dot) com) on Sun Nov 12th, 2006 at 02:24:43 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The seaside in Autumn (graphics heavy) (none / 0)

Yum. Those are generous portions.

Ad astra per aspera

by In Wales (inwales aaat eurotrib.com) on Sun Nov 12th, 2006 at 02:27:53 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The seaside in Autumn (graphics heavy) (none / 0)

that's a vanilla, a raspberry and a coconut icecream, all sweetened by hunny.

If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the precipitate.

by ceebs (ceebs (at) eurotrib (dot) com) on Sun Nov 12th, 2006 at 03:04:07 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The seaside in Autumn (graphics heavy) (none / 0)

I've a distant cousin in Aberaeron.

God, I love these pictures of Wales!

by afew (afew(a in a circle)eurotrib_dot_com) on Sun Nov 12th, 2006 at 03:05:32 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The seaside in Autumn (graphics heavy) (none / 0)

is the world not full of coincidences. I've a cousin who lives there too.

If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the precipitate.

by ceebs (ceebs (at) eurotrib (dot) com) on Sun Nov 12th, 2006 at 03:09:23 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The seaside in Autumn (graphics heavy) (none / 0)

Well, if afew has a distant cousin in Aberaeron, then so do I!

Ad astra per aspera

by In Wales (inwales aaat eurotrib.com) on Sun Nov 12th, 2006 at 03:18:41 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The seaside in Autumn (graphics heavy) (none / 0)

the same cousin? or some odd everyone in Wales is related affair

If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the precipitate.

by ceebs (ceebs (at) eurotrib (dot) com) on Sun Nov 12th, 2006 at 03:26:20 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The seaside in Autumn (graphics heavy) (none / 0)

Heh! Yes, all are related in Wales! (In Wales and I are in fact related... I'm her doddering old uncle.)

by afew (afew(a in a circle)eurotrib_dot_com) on Sun Nov 12th, 2006 at 03:38:13 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The seaside in Autumn (graphics heavy) (none / 1)

Hardly doddering, and not really all that old. You can still chase bears. If you wanted to.

Ad astra per aspera

by In Wales (inwales aaat eurotrib.com) on Sun Nov 12th, 2006 at 03:43:31 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The seaside in Autumn (graphics heavy) (none / 1)

Thank you, my dear, and you're quite right. I don't chase bears only because I choose not to.

by afew (afew(a in a circle)eurotrib_dot_com) on Sun Nov 12th, 2006 at 04:07:48 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The seaside in Autumn (graphics heavy) (none / 0)

There are bears where you live?

by Fran (fran at eurotrib dot com) on Mon Nov 13th, 2006 at 02:40:46 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The seaside in Autumn (graphics heavy) (4.00 / 4)

No, but only because he used to chase them, when he wanted to.

If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the precipitate.

by ceebs (ceebs (at) eurotrib (dot) com) on Mon Nov 13th, 2006 at 03:11:19 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The seaside in Autumn (graphics heavy) (none / 0)

LOL!

by Fran (fran at eurotrib dot com) on Mon Nov 13th, 2006 at 03:22:50 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The seaside in Autumn (graphics heavy) (none / 0)

Yes, there are bears where I live. In the mountains, and occasionally in the foothills.

by afew (afew(a in a circle)eurotrib_dot_com) on Mon Nov 13th, 2006 at 10:37:53 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The seaside in Autumn (graphics heavy) (none / 1)

But I only chase them when I really, really feel like it.

by afew (afew(a in a circle)eurotrib_dot_com) on Mon Nov 13th, 2006 at 11:02:57 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The seaside in Autumn (graphics heavy) (none / 0)

Next time you go bear chasing you must tell me and I'll watch through a camera lens.

Ad astra per aspera

by In Wales (inwales aaat eurotrib.com) on Mon Nov 13th, 2006 at 12:23:40 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The seaside in Autumn (graphics heavy) (none / 1)

Bears are so camera-shy.

by afew (afew(a in a circle)eurotrib_dot_com) on Mon Nov 13th, 2006 at 02:51:42 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The seaside in Autumn (graphics heavy) (4.00 / 2)

I now have a mental Image of her pushing you along Llandudno prom in your bath chair ;-)

If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the precipitate.

by ceebs (ceebs (at) eurotrib (dot) com) on Sun Nov 12th, 2006 at 03:46:56 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The seaside in Autumn (graphics heavy) (none / 0)

May happen yet... :-)

by afew (afew(a in a circle)eurotrib_dot_com) on Sun Nov 12th, 2006 at 03:51:02 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The seaside in Autumn (graphics heavy) (none / 1)

I have my Nephew marked down for this duty already, and he's only 6

someones got to wheel me round to yell curses at the next generation of politicians.

If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the precipitate.

by ceebs (ceebs (at) eurotrib (dot) com) on Sun Nov 12th, 2006 at 03:53:44 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The seaside in Autumn (graphics heavy) (none / 0)

Better not be Llandudno then, better be Blackpool and that other B-Town mentioned below...

by afew (afew(a in a circle)eurotrib_dot_com) on Sun Nov 12th, 2006 at 04:06:20 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The seaside in Autumn (graphics heavy) (none / 1)

well I do yell at politicians on general principle, even the ones I support need to be kept on their toes and reminded that we're watching.

If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the precipitate.

by ceebs (ceebs (at) eurotrib (dot) com) on Sun Nov 12th, 2006 at 04:18:09 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The seaside in Autumn (graphics heavy) (none / 0)

I wouldn't need to, electric scooters are all the rage along the promenade. I saw an elderly couple racing each other on their scooters and then the woman shouted something, waved her walking stick in the air and then did a great big U-turn as her husband (I assume) failed to hear and carried on for ages.

Plenty of people sat about on benches, like in this shot. I desperately wanted to ask them if I could properly take their photo but I was too polite to ask.

Ad astra per aspera

by In Wales (inwales aaat eurotrib.com) on Sun Nov 12th, 2006 at 04:14:56 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The seaside in Autumn (graphics heavy) (none / 0)

Oh I'm just impolite, and casually take their pictures without asking, then go back and ask later, Generally if they know they are having their pics taking, they just dont look natural.

If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the precipitate.

by ceebs (ceebs (at) eurotrib (dot) com) on Sun Nov 12th, 2006 at 04:22:13 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The seaside in Autumn (graphics heavy) (none / 0)

I wish I'd done that...

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by In Wales (inwales aaat eurotrib.com) on Sun Nov 12th, 2006 at 04:34:09 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The seaside in Autumn (graphics heavy) (none / 0)

Occasionally I do feel guilty afterwards and go back and ask, then fire off another pic, so that they know I've taken a picture, and they've given me permission, after I've already got the pic I want to use.

If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the precipitate.

by ceebs (ceebs (at) eurotrib (dot) com) on Sun Nov 12th, 2006 at 04:49:37 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The seaside in Autumn (graphics heavy) (none / 0)

Nice walk around Llandudno, that I too recall from childhood. I like empty piers too. Don't know Bognor Regis, but further along the coast there's a well-known one, pebble beach too, and particularly known worldwide for rock... And, what do you know, I think rg lives thereabouts!

Some may be wondering what rock is? Neither stone nor music. A kind of very tacky tooth-murdering candy cane sold in British seaside towns, with the name of the town running through the middle of the stick:

This is from Blackpool in northern England, but Graham Greene wrote about a southern town (mentioned above):

"It's like those sticks of rock: bite it all the way down, you'll still read B.....n."

Fantastic photos, In Wales. The last one is utterly beautiful, a heart-wrencher.

by afew (afew(a in a circle)eurotrib_dot_com) on Sun Nov 12th, 2006 at 03:35:14 PM EST

Re: The seaside in Autumn (graphics heavy) (none / 0)

did you notice the railway in the bottom of the pic?

That rather limits the ammount of places that it can possibly be.

If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the precipitate.

by ceebs (ceebs (at) eurotrib (dot) com) on Sun Nov 12th, 2006 at 03:43:17 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The seaside in Autumn (graphics heavy) (none / 0)

I didn't pay much attention to it, DoDo will be pleased...

We might be Betws-y-coed way? (The tracks look a bit like the Snowdon railway?) I can't really tell the difference with the Ffestiniog line.

by afew (afew(a in a circle)eurotrib_dot_com) on Sun Nov 12th, 2006 at 04:03:20 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The seaside in Autumn (graphics heavy) (none / 0)

I think it was about an hours drive away from Llandudno but I can't remember which way we travelled. I was very hungry and not paying much attention to where we actually were, other than to admire the views. We stopped at a little garage to see if they had any snacks, but there wasn't anything I could eat, so I took photos instead.

Ad astra per aspera

by In Wales (inwales aaat eurotrib.com) on Sun Nov 12th, 2006 at 04:29:14 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The seaside in Autumn (graphics heavy) (none / 0)

well probably not north or west

If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the precipitate.

by ceebs (ceebs (at) eurotrib (dot) com) on Sun Nov 12th, 2006 at 04:54:21 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The seaside in Autumn (graphics heavy) (none / 0)

If I am right, Northeast Wales.

*Traitor*, n.
A benighted individual who perceives an illusory distinction between serving his nation and abetting the criminals who govern it.

by DoDo on Sun Nov 12th, 2006 at 06:58:53 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The seaside in Autumn (graphics heavy) (none / 0)

Can you recognise it here?

*Traitor*, n.
A benighted individual who perceives an illusory distinction between serving his nation and abetting the criminals who govern it.

by DoDo on Sun Nov 12th, 2006 at 06:58:05 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The seaside in Autumn (graphics heavy) (none / 0)

Definitely not Ffestinog, and definitely not Snowdon Railway, I know those. Betwys-y-Coed, that's a normal branchline, isn't it? So it's out too.

One hour from Llandudno, let's see... It could be Llangollen-Carrog.

BINGO! In fact, I think I found the exact location, it's next to Glyndyfrdwy.

BTW, In Wales, that photo just blew me away...

*Traitor*, n.
A benighted individual who perceives an illusory distinction between serving his nation and abetting the criminals who govern it.

by DoDo on Sun Nov 12th, 2006 at 06:49:58 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The seaside in Autumn (graphics heavy) (none / 0)

Wow! I was thinking of either Snowdon or Ffestiniog, the only ones I've ridden on. When you say you know them, you mean you've visited?

I got Betws-y-coed mixed up with Llanberis for the Snowdon Railway.

by afew (afew(a in a circle)eurotrib_dot_com) on Mon Nov 13th, 2006 at 02:47:15 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The seaside in Autumn (graphics heavy) (none / 0)

When you say you know them, you mean you've visited?

Unfortunately, not. The two times I was in Great Britain, I missed Wales. I know those lines from an article in a railfan magazine and from a TV show (both German), and also from having checked a map when reading the former. (It's the relief: no winding along a curving river, usually a favourite location for railway photographers, on either of those lines.)

*Traitor*, n.
A benighted individual who perceives an illusory distinction between serving his nation and abetting the criminals who govern it.

by DoDo on Mon Nov 13th, 2006 at 07:05:07 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The seaside in Autumn (graphics heavy) (none / 1)

I'm very impressed with your railway sleuthing. I like railway lines, especially ones that go really long and straight off into the distance. There was a disused railway line near my house in Shropshire (Admastan Spa) when I was very young and I loved playing there. It was all fields and wild ground then but it is now a big expensive housing estate for people with too many cars.

Ad astra per aspera

by In Wales (inwales aaat eurotrib.com) on Mon Nov 13th, 2006 at 08:09:25 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The seaside in Autumn (graphics heavy) (none / 0)

I'm very impressed with your railway sleuthing.

You weren't around when I posted a certain diary series :-)

There was a disused railway line near my house

Disused railway lines make me cry... though I like discovering traces of long ago disused railways.

It was all fields and wild ground then but it is now a big expensive housing estate for people with too many cars.

I checked it on the 1:25000 map at Multimap.com, traces of a "dismtd rly" (dismantled railway I guess) can be followed all the way North to Nantwich. hat must be your childhood playground, the section in Admaston, they show as a cycle path -- so at least not overbuilt! Here they say it operated for exactly hundred years (1867-1967).

*Traitor*, n.
A benighted individual who perceives an illusory distinction between serving his nation and abetting the criminals who govern it.

by DoDo on Mon Nov 13th, 2006 at 09:03:16 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The seaside in Autumn (graphics heavy) (none / 1)

Yes, that's the place. I went to Dothill Infants school which you can see on the map too.

The cyclepath seems to be the most likely place, although I remember sections of track still being there 22 years ago. There was a short tunnel too. Thanks for the links, it was a great place to live at that time.

There are some fantastic photos in your diary series!

Ad astra per aspera

by In Wales (inwales aaat eurotrib.com) on Mon Nov 13th, 2006 at 09:24:43 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The seaside in Autumn (graphics heavy) (none / 0)

Thanks, but I mostly only selected them :-) Though one train diary with my own photos just happens to be in the pipeline, once I finish the next 1956 diary.

*Traitor*, n.
A benighted individual who perceives an illusory distinction between serving his nation and abetting the criminals who govern it.

by DoDo on Mon Nov 13th, 2006 at 09:59:32 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The seaside in Autumn (graphics heavy) (none / 1)

the fork shaped patch of trees in the centre is growing along the side of a set of cuttings that were growing at the entrance of an old marshalling yard

That was the scene of some of my childhood play

If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the precipitate.

by ceebs (ceebs (at) eurotrib (dot) com) on Mon Nov 13th, 2006 at 12:34:35 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The seaside in Autumn (graphics heavy) (none / 1)

There are good articles in Wikipedia on these three Welsh railways:

by afew (afew(a in a circle)eurotrib_dot_com) on Mon Nov 13th, 2006 at 11:17:41 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Llandudno (none / 1)

My parents retired to Colwyn Bay, so I know that N. Wales area pretty well. Many is the time I've been up the Great Orme (The Great Worm/Dragon?). Fantastic area - rugged beauty at its best.

You can't be me, I'm taken

by Sven Triloqvist on Sun Nov 12th, 2006 at 04:03:26 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The seaside in Autumn (graphics heavy) (none / 0)

Adding my voice to the choir - lovely photos, I really enjoyed them.

"Ignoring moralities is always undesirable, but doing so systematically is really worrisome." Mohammed Khatami

by eternalcityblues (parvati_roma aaaat libero.it) on Sun Nov 12th, 2006 at 08:22:39 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The seaside in Autumn (graphics heavy) (none / 0)

These are really gorgeous, In Wales! I especially liked the last one and the one with the blue clouds.

Maybe we can eventually make language a complete impediment to understanding. -Hobbes

by Izzy (izzy at eurotrib dot com) on Sun Nov 12th, 2006 at 10:09:46 PM EST

Re: The seaside in Autumn (graphics heavy) (none / 0)

Thank you! I'm glad that people have enjoyed them.

Ad astra per aspera

by In Wales (inwales aaat eurotrib.com) on Mon Nov 13th, 2006 at 08:13:12 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The seaside in Autumn (graphics heavy) (4.00 / 3)

Great diary, In Wales. I couldnae get to it before, but now I'm at a speedy connection, so I can. Great pics.

So...we have two piers. The commercial one.