Whitby Harbour lies at the mouth of the River Esk and is responsible for shaping the town as an historic fishing and maritime port. Still a thriving fishing centre, Whitby cod is renowned throughout the country.
It was in Whitby that James Cook began his seamanship training as apprentice to brothers John and Henry Walker, eventually becoming a trusted seafarer, joining the Royal Navy and Captaining the Endeavour (a Whitby built ship) on her voyages of exploration; circumnavigating the globe in both directions, mapping New Zealand and crossing the Antarctic Circle.
Those sea vessels of old, plying the trade routes and carrying explorers to far flung corners of the earth, have been replaced by a myriad pleasure craft. In the calm waters of the harbour, tall-masted sailing boats rub shoulders with the less elegant but business-like working boats.
And the densely packed houses glow in the late afternoon sunlight.
Sigh...
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, peaceful images.
In the photos, you can't hear the gulls! LOUD birds :)
DeleteLike you, I photographed those fabulous houses in the glow of the late afternoon sun. The light was almost unreal. Beautiful shots!
ReplyDeleteThe light was perfect. I couldn't have asked for better.
Delete
ReplyDeleteAll the photos are beautiful but the last afternoon shot of the harbor and homes is wonderful.
cheers, parsnip
Thank you. I was particularly pleased with that shot :)
DeleteThis is so reminiscent of any one of a number of New England fishing towns. Like Whitby, the working boats and larger pleasure crafts rest side by side. Gorgeous photos with incredible light.
ReplyDeleteLight makes such a difference to the quality of a photo. On this occasion, I got lucky :)
Delete