A sad sight

Mel Brackstone

A sad sight

Yesterday Scott and I had to go to the North Coast, on an impulse we dropped by Dicky beach on the way home. This is what we found. A good part of the wreck has been removed, after it collapsed from the high seas. The fishermen were driving through the gap with their trucks, and the low tide made it look even more sad and forlorn.

I used my infrared camera to capture this image, since middle of the day images just don’t work too well when you’re out on the beach without a tripod. I’ve never shot the wreck from this viewpoint before, and certainly never at this time of day. It is a record shot, however, so that we can all save the view for historical reasons, if nothing else.

Thanks for viewing.

Canon powershot pro1, 7.2mm, f/3.2, 1/400”, ISO 50. Keeping in mind this is a compact camera, these figures really mean nothing much.

  1. Another from the SS Dicky Series

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A sad sight by Mel Brackstone
  • funkyfacestudio

    funkyfacestudio

    Was it removed on purpose or was it the trucks that went through ? that is sad….....I wonder what it will look like next time you go out at sunrise …..... probably still good ! ;)

  • Mel Brackstone replied

    Hey Lisa, Garry captured a shot showing the broken part, which has since been removed(for the safety of the beach-goers)

  • Mel Brackstone replied

    and quite a lot of the sand has returned too. Where those people are standing is where Garry’s image is pinpointing.

  • Michele Randell

    Michele Randell

    This is so sad Mel….....It is such a wonderful historic structure and to read of trucks drving thru it further damaging it shows such a lack of respect for the history of the caloundra area…..I live close to here and used to love watching the sunrise thru its ribs like a ancient old dinosaur of the sea…...Glad you have captured this as I know it used to feature in your work

  • Mel Brackstone replied

    Thanks Michele, I believe the council wants to remove it all!

  • roybarry

    roybarry

    A fine study of a much loved landmark. Yes, it is sad to see these things befall it but it is also great that you are there to capture it for so many of us to see.

    Thanks Mel.

  • Mel Brackstone replied

    Thanks buddy, hopefully I’ll still capture one or two images before it’s all gone.

  • richiedean

    richiedean

    the ravages of time and the force of nature take their toll Mel, we can all stand testament to that …........ the only preservation this has is in your photos, ....... love the shadows ….... :))

  • Mel Brackstone replied

    forces of nature….who needs em Thanks Richie, I wanted those shadows to stand out :)

  • Wendi Donaldson

    Wendi Donaldson

    Thank goodness for Mel!! You’ve documented this so beautifully in the short time I’ve been on the Bubble and I love your shots of this favourite landmark. SO glad you did take the time to stop again and capture it in its sad state.
    Men in trucks…........ DUH!!!

  • Mel Brackstone replied

    Thanks for your comment, Wendi, I echo your sentiment about men in trucks….lol!

  • Heather Rivet IPA

    Heather Rivet...

    ah sad..glad you got some fantastic shots as it might not be there long

  • Mel Brackstone replied

    Thanks Heather, hopefully I’ll get another chance before it’s all gone.

  • Shanina Conway

    Shanina Conway

    The sands of time Mel…it’s sad our days of being able to enjoy are passing..at least we will always have your amazing images to look back on;)

  • Mel Brackstone replied

    Thanks Shan, I’ve enjoyed capturing some beaut shots of it!

  • Karen Cougan

    Karen Cougan

    Bit like the old cherry venture up at RAinbow Beach, I was there when it got washed up and years later when they took the final pieces away….........all those photo’s Mel, and all the memories….......I suppose nothing lasts forever does it….......thanks for showing us your version of this wonderful pile of metal
    xkc

  • Mel Brackstone replied

    I never saw the Cherry Venture in real life, glad at least I’ve managed to catch the SS Dicky! Thanks Kaz :)

  • Matt Penfold

    Matt Penfold

    Oh Mel this really is sad, why the fuck can’t people just let nature gobble up the wreck in its own good time? It must feel to you like the slow demise of an old friend …

    This is a fine shot of it though :-)

  • Mel Brackstone replied

    It does sadden me Matt, unfortunately the council needs to consider the dipshits who may injure themselves because they have no brains….Oh well… Thanks for dropping by :)

  • Richard George

    Richard George

    Fortunately we have the wonderful and respecful images such as this to remind of the diginity of this grand vessel. Some people have no respect. Thanks for continuing to share these great images.

  • Mel Brackstone replied

    Thanks for your comment, Richard!

  • Paul Vanzella

    Paul Vanzellafounder

    what an incredible image, like some lost sculptures found.. just sensational!

  • Mel Brackstone replied

    It is very sculptural, and the high sun made for some great shadows. Thanks Paul.

  • Lance Leopold

    Lance Leopold

    It’s like the bones of a viking ship in winter,Mel,i agree with Paul.

  • Mel Brackstone replied

    Bones is right….it’s a wonderful old wreck. Thanks Lance.

  • Lucindawind

    Lucindawind

    fantastic photo and IR !

  • Mel Brackstone replied

    Thanks Lucinda.

  • Nick Milton

    Nick Milton

    yeh,i live here,and its sad but i suppose inevitable,glad we all have images for historic reasons.

    mine is a giant canvas on my lounge wall,look at it everyday.

  • Mel Brackstone replied

    Cheers Nick!

  • Garry Schlatter

    Garry Schlatter

    I can just not believe the sheer ignorance of some idiot fisherman driving through the gap. It is just a matter of time until we hear the next story.
    I have to report this to the heritage council. They are working on the protection of this landmark. Let’s build a fence!

  • Mel Brackstone replied

    Jeeeez Gazza, ya can’t fence it in????

  • deepbluwater

    deepbluwater

    truly amazing image Mel, almost otherworldly, -and the shadows!!
    your appreciation & vision will continue to preserve the beauty long after the men in trucks have done their unfortunate work…

  • Mel Brackstone replied

    Thanks dbw!

  • ~ Selle

    ~ Selle

    Poor Dicky :(

  • Mel Brackstone replied

    Absolutely!

  • Deborah Parkin

    Deborah Parkin

    That is a shame Mel – at least you have been there artistically recording it for all of us to see. This is a really beautiful image Mel (as always) – i just love the harshness of the shadows.

  • Mel Brackstone replied

    Thanks Deb, I must admit the shadows work well in infrared :)

  • DavidMark

    DavidMark

    That’s sad indeed, Mel. It’s great you took these shots. I hope there’s still something left.

  • Mel Brackstone replied

    I suppose it will slowly break up more and more, David. Not sure whether they’ll remove the rest or not. People have such a bad habit of doing stupid things and hurting themselves, then blaming anyone but themselves!

  • Karin Taylor

    Karin Taylorcommunity helper

    wow, this is different, i love the starkness and clean look with sharp shadows… i think the image somehow reflects your feelings…. excellent work, this is the work of an excellent photographer… one who captures the environment and has such a feel for it, that it comes through the image to the view…that’s powerful :)

  • Karin Taylor

    Karin Taylorcommunity helper

    view should be viewer Mel, :)

  • hugo

    hugo

    beautiful work, Mel

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