The Wreck of the Nornen

"Here the tidal range is about 7.5m at springs. . . "

 

On the Thames estuary, that is, not here. Well, Colin, I always wondered about the tidal range at the lower Thames, since I have heard many stories about waiting for the tide to turn before coming in or going out--not that that is not a problem for ships everywhere, but a 25-foot range at springs is mind-boggling to me. So. . . the gentle side of the island is not all that gentle, either.

 

It is good to hear an engineer hold forth on these matters, Colin. Nice to hear from someone who knows what he is talking about (as I do not).

 

I was driving west of Appalachicola, Florida in 1969 to get as close to Camille as I deemed prudent. I asked a motel owner in Panama City Beach if there were any higher places around. He said, in all seriousness, "Well, I suppose that you could rent a room at one of those places across the highway." I hung around a couple of hours, then beat it west to the Ft. Walton Beach-Destin area, where I had to stop as the first spiral band came ashore, creeping, creeping, creeping--and then I saw that the clouds were racing left to right down the squall ine of the spiral band at near hurricane force or greater. That was my first 'cane. There would be others. In 1972, a large but weak Agnes put so much water into motion that it kept rising after the storm went inland (just like the large but strong Katrina). The cops forced me off U.S. 98 near Panacea, Florida, and so I thought that I would outfox them by taking an inland route. I was doing fine driving around branches and downed power lines until I came onto a straightaway with nothing but water--and a bridge--as far as the eye could see, with the bridge in the middle of all that. I got out and took stock. The river was flowing backwards, and the water was salty.

 

I went home.

 

--Lannie

Lannie, nice story about your hurricane Camille. I think I would just go and hide somewhere!

 

 

Wonderful seascape! Brilliantly composed and exposed. My best wishes for the New Year. Chris

Perfect composition. Perfect colors. Perfect picture. I always like hearing a short story along with a picture. Thanks.

Came to look again , Colin, Well 7/7 it is!! ;-))

 

Happy creative new year.

Chris, thanks and a Happy New year to you!

 

Mike rhanks!

 

Pnina, thank you for taking the trouble. regards - Colin

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Amazing detail across the whole photo - I am taken by the little pebbles in the foreground.

A beautiful mood. Very nice.

 

Regards,

 

Bram

Absolutely breathtaking! Your effort was really worth it!

 

I am especially impressed by your work with the texture in the sand to work as foreground, placing your subject at some distance and still get that impressive feeling.

 

Also, it's nice to come back after a long absence and find some new, truly inspiraional photos in your portfolio.

 

regards

Camilla

this absolutly stunning, you have caught an image that anyone would be honoured to put their name to, and you are a much braver man than i for braving the sands at low tide. its lucky it isnt in the severn estuary, which has the second highest tidal range on the planet at over 42 feet. please get this printed large and put it on your wall so you can enjoy it daily. best regards martin

What can I say. I'm just a Johnny-come-lately to this portfolio. The dynamic power in this shot is just unbelievable ... wonderful. Now I have to study the rest of

your collection ...

Colin, this is Beautiful and Eerie at the same time. Wonderful light too. Fanastic shot!

brilliant!

and had to see it and the rest of your superb portfolio. Magnificent! Cheers -

Had a look at the full version of this after seeing it on today's No words. Have come to greatly admire the quality of your work especially richness of colour, composition and sharpness of detail. This is certainly one of the best.

 

Regards

 

Paul F

Very powerful and very interesting!

 

Paul

Colin, you are a master. This is an amazing image. I love how all the patterns in the sand lead to the main subject. Regards. Denise

Thanks to you all for your comments. I have always been drawn to the sea so taking these pictures was something I have wanted to do for some time. I am pleased you think the shot comes off.

Colin, I admire your commitment and dedication in getting this shot. Now that you've achieved a significant milestone, will you continue searching for the "next best shot" of this wreck?

 

Looking at this picture, I'm imagining a moonlit night perhaps painted with a very large torch.

Superb drammatic image. Excellent lighting and colour balance. I like the line that guid your eyes to the wreck. My only observation is the white area on the left edge. I find it a bit destructing. Overall it's an out-standing image. Well done.

I'm not only late, I might be too late all together to tell you something you have known for several years: This is great !

It is a typical example of how there are moments where great photos are taken after much preparation and patience. All these convergent lines and light tell the story you have put in words. Beautifully made Colin.

Wow! Amazing image! I especially love how the numerous lines Mirror each other. Excellent composition. Well done!

Best regards,

Alain