Sea danger...

On both my visits to the North Yorkshire coast I have been reminded of its isolation (cut off for many centuries by the moors) and dependence on the sea. Everywhere there is evidence of the vital role played by the lifeboats and their crew. In Robin Hood's Bay there was this difficult-to-ignore request for support...

...and this one, which I actually liked better because it was looking a bit tarnished and the poor fish's mouth had sadly clogged up.

One of the most amazing of the many stories associated with the lifeboats is this one (click on image to enlarge and read clearly - it is worth doing so)...

In a much sadder story, this young man Henry Freeman, on his first outing with the Whitby lifeboat crew, was the only survivor when the lifeboat capsized following multiple rescues. Twelve men died. It was thought freeman survived because he was wearing a cork lifejacket...

And, if you can put up with (or switch off) the music, this link pays moving tribute to the brave lifeboat crews  http://www.whitby-yorkshire.co.uk/lifeboat/lifeboats.htm

Finally, a warning to daft tourists, like me...

Robin Hood's Bay

Robin Hood's Bay is just a little south of Whitby. It lacks its larger neighbour's harbour advantages, but it too has a history of isolation and dependence on the sea, especially through fishing. The houses tumble down to the sea...

...and many, over the centuries, have tumbled into the sea, hence this huge retaining wall.

The town is full of narrow alleys, hidden corners and a jostle of chimneys...

Although there is not much fishing from Robin Hood's Bay now, there are still examples of the traditional fishing cobles to be seen.

This very short video clip about the cobles of the east coast is well worth watching...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UmmQjAS8Tw