There is a lure of the dark and stormy that is hard to define. A pull, an almost blank slate of ideas where anything is possible. Imagination seems to heightened, of which is always a good thing. My imagination on a sunny day…ahhh, it’s really just not the same. Give me bleak, cold, wet, shades of grey misery and the words, they can be coaxed out.
Settle in, and I’ll tell you a story….
As the boat pulled away from the dock, any other colours seemed to slip away along with it. Behind us, the trailing flag billowed- like a hopeful sea flare, a last shot of colour across a melancholy sky.
Time had reversed and dragged me along with it. Now onboard with three strangers I stood. Ready and waiting for the expectant onslaught of shots soon to break out. Their names were known to me but their faces I was new to recognising. My cold clammy hand was offered on meeting, as together…
Yes we would do this.
The island loomed large and it was with shuffled wet feet the four of us made our way across. Eyes darting from left to right, this was the place alright. The place we had heard of from long before.
As the darkened clouds paused in their rainy offerings, the sheer size of the cold place loomed ahead. Vast cavernous spaces that made me pull my thin woollen sleeves just that bit closer.
Dark and scarred lines at every turn. The whispers of others long gone were within these walls. Trapped on bench tops, and stuffed in slots, their stories were all there. Just waiting. Waiting to get out.
With lingering feet we traipsed on, the buildings continuing to rise out of the mud. As the day had dawned hours beforehand, my nerves had threatened to knock over my obligatory last cup of tepid tea. Not now though. My nerves seemed to have dissolved into the very mud in which our feet had slid into. Instead a peacefulness sat inside, an almost contentment.
While I knew only vaguely of what was to come next, what I did know was that I was with like minded souls. Strangers we had been but together we would do this, together we were going to take the shots and take it all in as it fell around us.
With fingers looped through fencing, and thoughts left to drift alone. A lone seagull seemed to watch on, also taking it all in. It was almost like he knew.
He knew what was to come.
A boats horn bellowing in the distance heralded the inevitable.
It was time.
To my other bloggy buddies that also think dark and stormy days are exciting. You guys rock. For my readers who would like to see some other wonderful versions of the same day see here at…
The Bowerbird Girl
Strawberry Jam Sandwiches
What Katie Did Next
cityhippyfarmgirl 
Beautiful words and powerful photos Brydie. I have not been to Cockatoo Island but it looks like an incredible place. A blogging, photo tour/outing is such a great idea. Happy Sunday to you x
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Thank you Jane. It’s a pretty spectacular place for photos…and even better if you have some blogging buddies to go with.
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It’s an amazing place, isn’t it? Did you visit the Biennale exhibits as well?
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We did Celia. Although I thought the outer buildings were really the highlight.
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Can I just say Brydie when I woke up this morning I went ‘it’s Sunday, Brydie said her post would be up Sunday’. Short stop at the coffee machine, then straight to the desk. You didn’t disappoint lady (not that I ever thought you would). It’s always a good start to the day when there’s one of your stories to be whisked away with. As much as I love the light, I equally love it when it’s lacking. I’m so very excited about the prospect of the upcoming dark months unlocking the imagination.
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It’s a whole different ball game isn’t it playing with dark. And anything that unlocks imagination is a good thing….always.
(ps. and looking forward to the next time we play with cameras.)
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Love that shot with the seagull, love the words and the arrival.
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Thank you Rose.
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Gorgeous photographs! Love the story. And I LOVE dark and stormy weather!
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They certainly have a different kind of energy don’t they Sam.
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Did I tell you that I almost chickened out on our wonderful day? I made 101 excuses as to why I should stay at home…it was too difficult to get to, too rainy, too cold, too far away, too unknown. I’m so glad that I put my ‘brave girl’ face on and made the journey. Such great memories, great photo ops, and great new friends. Your words and images are, as always, exquisite! Flick x
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Can’t believe you nearly didn’t come Flick! I’m glad you put on your brave girl face too.
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Ditto that!
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Nooo! So glad you came Ms Flick….until next time young lady. (And of course there will be a next time.)
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Cockatoo Island is such an incredible place; right in your backyard too. Always look forward to your posts, Brydie…so intriguing with a touch of mystery but factual. Haha, as you can see writing is not my forte but you know what I mean:)
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It is an amazing place, of which I’ll happily go back any time.
(And it’s always fun to find out where they words take me Zena 🙂
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Cloudy skies do something wonderful to my soul, which sunshine just can’t compete with. Your words are lovely and I’m glad you had a good (and memorable) day.
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It doesn’t does it, sunshine that is. I wonder why….
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Beautifully said, beautifully photographed Brydie 🙂
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Thank you Katie. It was a pleasure meeting you 🙂
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So just what is this slightly scary, mysterious looking place? I’m going with old prison? Love the last picture with just a hint of color.
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Katie it’s choking in stories that place. Prison of sorts yep- convicts, reform school, ship building, not to mention being closed for 100 years as well. An intriguing place that’s for sure.
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One word my beautiful friend – stunning!
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And now I want to go to Cockatoo Island! It that where they filmed Water Rats? Beautiful images and words Brydie xx
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I love this Brydie – so atmospheric and I agree that dark, mysterious days are SO much more inspiring than sunshine!
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Oh I do love this post Brydie. Dark and stormy days are great, love your images, thanks for sharing your adventure. 🙂
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I only made it to Cockatoo Island once while I was in Sydney. I was amazed at the place and how it has just been left, seemingly untouched, for many years. A great place to explore and take photographs.
I can’t help thinking that one day it will change which would be a shame…
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