A free choice this week and i can choose my subject. It’s been a while since I visited “the Duke” and as he’s only just down the road it seemed a good idea to go and pay my respects. Yesterday started off in typical fashion of the weather we have been experiencing recently; wet and windy. Not ideal for photography, but the weather prediction for what it’s worth, advised of clearing skies and sunny patches. Better.
Anyway to “the Duke”. What a state he is in, his age and neglect are really starting to show. Sure there have been some attempts to tart up this venerable old man but in my opinion they have failed miserably. I’ll leave you to judge if you think the same as me.
So without further ado, ladies and gentlemen, I give you the Duke of Lancaster
Once a railway steamer passenger ferry “the Duke” operated in Europe from 1956 to 1979. Today he is beached near Mostyn Docks, on the River Dee, north-east Wales. Lots of things have happened to “the Duke” since he was brought to Llanerch-y-Mor with the latest being to cover him in artwork from well-known street artists. When I visited yesterday it was obvious that someone had not done their homework. Rust is starting to break through and destroy the artwork. I might be wrong but since my last visit, well over a year ago, it looks like the colours are fading in the artwork as well. What a sorry state this venerable old man has gotten into.
On the way back from visiting “the Duke” I stopped off at Talacre. One thing about Talacre Beach, it’s fine on a sunny day but on a cold and very windy day it’s not the best place to be with a camera. The sand dries out very quickly once the tide has gone out and the wind quickly whips up a mini sandstorm. Not ideal for camera and lenses, even ones which are dust and weather-proof.
Look to the left of the lighthouse. You can see the patterns created by the sand as it whips from left to right across the beach. Sand is everywhere, small patches of it are forming on the rocks but this is washed away when the tide comes in. However the shifting sand is starting to rebuild the dunes that were destroyed in last years storms, which is a good thing.
That’s it for this weeks challenge. I hope you enjoyed my visit to “the Duke” and I’d love to hear your thoughts on this venerable old man.
Say It With A Camera 
Too bad about the “Duke.” But, I really like the light house. I never get tired of seeing your photos of a relic form many years ago. Should it not be restored?
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s not a working lighthouse, Yvonne and hasn’t been in a long long time. It is privately owned, was up for sale at one time, but I don’t think there were any takers. Problem is it gets cut off at high tide and I don’t think there are any facilities there either. Everything would have to be carried in and out and it’s a good walk from the main road. The beach is popular during the summer time and the lighthouse is a bit of a tourist attraction, especially at sunset. Maybe the county will step in and do something but in these days of budget cuts it’s highly unlikely.After the storms of last year some cracks did appear in the outer structure, These were quickly repaired but I don’t know by who.
LikeLike