A disused jetty falling into disrepair
By Judy Evans
@JudyEv (340653)
Rockingham, Australia
May 31, 2018 5:50pm CST
This photo is of the tanker jetty in Esperance. We lived there for seven years soon after we first married and Vince worked at the Port Authority. The town eventually outgrew the tanker jetty when nickel discoveries at Kambalda and the opening of sand plains for farming brought about a major overhaul of the export facilities. One of Vince’s tasks was to oversee the tying up of the ships and he ‘tied up’ the last tanker at this jetty in 1977. It has fallen into a state of disrepair now unfortunately.
We hadn’t been back to Esperance for any length of time since we left and the town has changed enormously. We also visited an old friend there. We exchange cards and letters every Christmas. She is now 89 and still very spry. I hadn’t been able to let her know we’d be calling in but we received a very heart-warming welcome from her with one of the biggest and longest hugs I’ve had in ages. Thinking about it still brings tears to my eyes as I doubt I’ll ever see her again.
14 people like this
13 responses
@redhotpogo (4401)
• United States
1 Jun 18
It's weird to go back to places several years or decades later, and see how much they've changed.
1 person likes this
@redhotpogo (4401)
• United States
1 Jun 18
@JudyEv Sounds like the economy really picked up there.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (340653)
• Rockingham, Australia
1 Jun 18
@redhotpogo It is the nearest port for a lot of the minerals which are mined north of the town.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (35642)
•
9 Jun 18
I also find it interesting (sometimes sadly) how town change over the years. Our area has been building stores along the roadway with frequency lately. And they just tore down a landmark eatery that has been there since 1954.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (35642)
•
12 Jun 18
@JudyEv Interesting, mine is progress and increased population. Yours is a decline in people and business.
1 person likes this
@JamesHxstatic (29413)
• Eugene, Oregon
3 Jun 18
What a nice surprise that was for her. It was great of you and Vince to include her in your stopover.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (340653)
• Rockingham, Australia
4 Jun 18
It is a good 8 hour drive from our present home so not a journey you undertake too often. It was lovely to see her.
@mlgen1037 (29886)
• Manila, Philippines
1 Jun 18
Hi Judy. It is really nice to see a friend that after all these years you still have that connection. I miss those friends of mine.
1 person likes this
@mlgen1037 (29886)
• Manila, Philippines
1 Jun 18
@JudyEv I think that meant so much to her. I like those kind of surprised.
1 person likes this
@Jessabuma (31700)
• Baguio, Philippines
1 Jun 18
I miss my old friends as well, but thankfully we are able to communicate with each other through social media
1 person likes this
@Jessabuma (31700)
• Baguio, Philippines
1 Jun 18
@JudyEv Ohh that's nice idea. Stay blessed
1 person likes this
@caopaopao (12395)
• China
1 Jun 18
I can imagine the scene when you meet your old friend. It must be very touching.
1 person likes this
@epiffanie (11326)
• Australia
1 Jun 18
Beautiful photo.. wow! 41 years since the last tanker was tied up there ..
It's the saddest thing to think that we may not see someone dear to us ever again, isn't it? ..
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (121617)
• Gainesville, Florida
1 Jun 18
It was nice that you got to see your friend, even if it may be the last time you ever see her. You'll always have that memory of a long, warm embrace to remember her by in the future.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (340653)
• Rockingham, Australia
1 Jun 18
Things don't stay the same do they? Either they get better or they get worse.
@JohnRoberts (109846)
• Los Angeles, California
1 Jun 18
No warning signs against trying to get on them?
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (340653)
• Rockingham, Australia
1 Jun 18
I think often the upkeep and repair is too expensive if there is no return for their efforts.
