Picture Post: Thou shall hev a fishy when the boat comes in

IN the Odyssey, his epic tale recounting the seafaring adventures of Odysseus, Homer talks repeatedly about the “wine-dark sea”.
PIC: Tony JohnsonPIC: Tony Johnson
PIC: Tony Johnson

He was referring to the Mediterranean, which today is famous for its cerulean beauty.

The North Sea, on the other hand, tends to be more a battleship grey. But there are times, as this picture beautifully illustrates, when it is every inch the equal of its more glamorous cousin.

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This photograph, taken on an unusually calm late winter’s day, captures the rich, rioting colours as they slip towards the horizon at dusk.

Just as there’s a timeless quality about this scene, equally there is something reassuring about the sight of a fishing boat being trailed by gulls as it returns to harbour.

The harbour in question here, if you didn’t recognise it, is at Bridlington.

Like many of Yorkshire’s coastal towns, Bridlington has seen its fishing industry slowly decline over the decades, although the waters off the East Coast still produce some of the best crab and lobster.

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During the winter months the harbour wall here tends to be quiet, apart from a few hardy souls looking to catch the odd cod, whiting and mackerel. But come summertime it will be packed with day-trippers and tourists.

The harbour itself has an interesting history. There is no definite record of its existence until after the arrival of the Normans following the Battle of Hastings.

Then in 1643, Queen Henrietta Maria landed at Bridlington with troops to support the Royalist cause in the English Civil War.

The harbour, located in Bridlington Quay, was established where a small stream known as the Gypsey Race runs into the sea.

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Today it is home to almost 100 mostly small businesses, including ice cream parlours and fish and chip shops, which provide jobs for around 400 people and play an integral role in the resort’s economy.

As this photograph shows it’s also a perfect vantage point to soak up the stunning sea views.

Technical details: Nikon D3s, 28-70mm lens, 1/50th sec @f4 ISO800.

Picture: Tony Johnson