Saturday, 14 August 2010

Waverley to Tighnabruaich


PS Waverley approaches Greenock Pier; the Captain supervises embarkation.

The builder's plate and a toy dolphin, with knitted 'Waverley' hat, mounted on the Stephenson link motion of the magnificent Rankin triple-expansion steam engine.

The calm before the storm: the Jeanie Deans Lounge, empty but ready for a thirsty public. Note the LNER Arts & Crafts-style upholstery with buttoned centres of the roses - a lovely detail.




The Waverley at Tighnabruaich



The village Post Office with hand-painted not-quite-corporate sign.


Messing about on the beach and Waverley's destinations for the return trip to Glasgow.



Jim MacFadzean, Waverley's legendary Chief Purser, takes a brief break from duties while MS Argyle crosses our stern off Rothesay.

Caledonian MacBrayne's Bute approaches Rothesay Pier.


Crowds await boarding at Rothesay Pier.


Passing the cruise ship Ocean Countess and Inverkip Power Station in the firth of Clyde. The latter is due for demolition - a pity as it is a magnificent building - bold, yet elegantly detailed.


Happy passengers drinking and dancing in the Jeanie Deans Lounge; 'Haw, Son, gonnie take wur photie?'


Approaching Dunoon Pier - one of the Clyde's architectural pearls while passengers enjoy their cigarettes on deck. (On Waverley, one has a really Scottish experience!)

Caledonian MacBrayne's classic ferry Jupiter streaks past Gourock's waterfront, bound for Dunoon.

At Greenock Pier


The 'Pride of the Clyde': Waverley en route up river in evening light: sixty-three years old and still going strong.

Friday, 13 August 2010

Harwich

While vast numbers of motorists, truck drivers and foot passengers pass through Harwich Parkeston Quay on an annual basis, far fewer make the worthwhile detour while en route from ship to train or motorway to visit Harwich Old Town - which has a charming nautical milieu. Here are some photographs of shipping movements and signs on buildings taken in June 2010.


DFDS' Dana Sirena passes the Ha' penny Pier and heads out to sea.


Stena Hollandica arrives.

In memory of John R. Sedgwick - who appears to have been a wonderful gentleman.



Splendid graphics in the Essex vernacular



Once a music store, given the 'S'



Electric Palace cinema and a posting box