Wednesday 25 March 2009

Weird Weir Picture




Whenever I look at this photo of a pleasure boat giving a tour at Pulteney Weir in Bath, Somerset, I always think that there seems to be something wrong with it.
It gives the impression that the boat might be stranded on dry land, probably because the eye is not expecting to see a boat so high up in the scene. Am I the only one that feels that way?

Although it looks as though the boat might end up being swept over the weir, the stretch of water is much wider than it looks, though one boat did capsize once. Fortunately everyone on board was rescued, including a heavily pregnant lady.
I took this photo in the height of our summer last year. It is a lovely place and I do like to visit Bath whenever I can.
If you'd like to go on a trip, click the link above and hold on tightly!

I wonder what my son Sam is publishing on his Watery Wednesday this week?



30 comments:

Jeni said...

Yeah -from looking at the boat in that picture, it does kind of give one the impression that it is sort of grounded or beached.
Interesting -and pretty -picture though anyway.

2sweetnsaxy said...

Actually, what I find interesting is that it's so close to those waterfalls. I think that's why it looks like it's high up. If that had been all flat water I don't think it would have looked that way. Interesting! :-)

Gemma Wiseman said...

Yes it is a weird and fascinating shot! The boat almost looks as if it is leaning on the wall to escape the water!

menopausaloldbag (MOB) said...

I love Bath and that picture does play with the eye. I did a week at Bath uni as part of my summer school for my psychology degree. Absolutely loved the place.

Anonymous said...

Very strange illusion. Bath is a lovely City...did my summer residence there for the OU.

Anonymous said...

On my word! I would not want to be on that boat!!

MARY G said...

Neat optical illusion!

Hilary said...

It appears exactly as you said. And it looks precariously close to the falls. Great shot!

Anonymous said...

Yes, I do see what you mean but it's a lovely photo.

You wouldn't get me on one though!!

CJ xx

Anonymous said...

The photo does look unsettling. I guess because it is up so high and so close to the falls. I think I would be nervous on it. I hope it goes out to a much bigger body of water, soon.

Thank you so much, for all the support and your kind words. So appreciated.
XXXXXX

Nessa said...

That's a really cool picture. i feel myself sliding down the falls.

Tink *~*~* said...

I am a big fan of reflection shots, and I'm also considering putting Bath on my bucket list.

w00t! It's WEDNESDAY!

Tink *~*~*
NOW PLAYING at My Mobile Adventures *~*~* :
Lighthouse at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

Indrani said...

When you explained I felt a little weird too.

cheshire wife said...

Thank you for the trip around the weir. It is something that I didn't manage to do during my three years in Bath.

Irene said...

Thanks for the link to the 360 degrees look around, Maggie. That was very interesting and made it as if you were there yourself. I was especially impressed with the old massive stones of the buildings and the stories they could have told us. A lot of history took place there and you could feel it. Oh, to be able to go back for just a day. Wouldn't that be great?

Bryan said...

I agree; the boat does look like it's floating on the water much higher than a normal boat would.

Akelamalu said...

It does look a bit odd now you mention it!

aims said...

I 'went for a little trip' and had a look at where that boat was going and at the weir. How odd that they travel along right beside that weir. But the buildings and arches are incredible. No wonder you like to go there Maggie. It's beautiful!

Dr.John said...

I like the boat but the people on it are too calm for anything bad to be happening.

® ♫ The Brit ♪ ® said...

Hi Maggie,
Yeah I agree... it does seem out of place there, kind of as if it is being suspended and attached to that wall, it's a great photo!! Reminds me of a funny "David Shot" XX

Rosaria Williams said...

May, loved your post, and Sam's post too. Congratulations, you have a lovely grandchild too.

Nana Trish is Living the Dream said...

That is a great picture. The water looks so peaceful in one part and rough and tumble Sort of like life.

Taj_maan said...

yeah, it looks kinda weird but still...it is a beautiful photo. nice shot!

Rose said...

The boat does looks as if it's docked on dry land. I enjoy taking sightseeing boat trips...I always thought they were much safer than any other kind.

The photo on Sam's blog was so cute! I have a similar picture of my younger granddaughter running through a sprinkler at the park, except she decided she'd take her wet dress off:)

Suburbia said...

It does look very close to the edge!

Did you really take it last summer? I only wondered because, in the photo, the sun is actually shining!!!

Anonymous said...

Maggie,
first of all I must tell you how meaningful your comments to me were at my blog this week. Thank you! truly.

The photo-It looks as if it is boat sitting upon a flat mirror in a theme park.

Eddie Bluelights said...

Hi Maggie
This is a super shot and the boat does look as though it is gliding across land or it will soon tumble sideways down the weir. How weired! (sorry for the pun)

Strawberry Jam Anne said...

See what you mean Maggie - great picture though. I'm always fascinated by optical illusions! A x

Reasons said...

Yes it is a fascinating picture. My first thought was, oh no what happened next!

Thank you for your message earlier x

Jules~ said...

Oh wow you are right. The scene does perplex my vision for a minute. To me it looks high up in the water and tilting. I know,....I am wierd.

Blessings to you today.