Without question, the most recognizable landmark in Ventura is the pier. Originally built in 1872, the pier was used to accommodate the steamships of the era. In the days before the 101 highway, getting in and out of Ventura was a challenge, and new settlers found it easier to boat in than to go over the mountains. Freighters made use of the pier as well, transporting the county greenbelt's produce up and down the coast.
It used to be the longest wooden pier in the U.S., but after being damaged and reconstructed several times due to severe storms, the City Council finally came to their senses and used concrete pylons near the end of the pier. The current pier is 1,958 feet long.
Photo by Tyler Freear.
Nowadays, the pier is one of recreation only. Locals fish off of it both day and night, and tourists walk and cycle it. Joel and his step-dad used to go out fishing all night and bring home thresher shark. It was incredible. Photographer unknown.
After a particularly bad storm in the 1980s, it was closed to the public for over a year, if I recall correctly. During that time, Lionel Ritchie filmed a music video on the pier. I don't remember the name of it, but I remember a shot of him standing up against the chain link gates that kept people off of the damaged section.
Photo by Shane Hess.
It used to be the longest wooden pier in the U.S., but after being damaged and reconstructed several times due to severe storms, the City Council finally came to their senses and used concrete pylons near the end of the pier. The current pier is 1,958 feet long. Photo by Tyler Freear.
Nowadays, the pier is one of recreation only. Locals fish off of it both day and night, and tourists walk and cycle it. Joel and his step-dad used to go out fishing all night and bring home thresher shark. It was incredible. Photographer unknown.
After a particularly bad storm in the 1980s, it was closed to the public for over a year, if I recall correctly. During that time, Lionel Ritchie filmed a music video on the pier. I don't remember the name of it, but I remember a shot of him standing up against the chain link gates that kept people off of the damaged section. Photo by Shane Hess.
13 comments:
gorgeous pics....
I remember walking on that pier with you...a long time ago...
I've been to Ventura Blvd. So have I. Well of course you were, Emo. It wasn't what I thought it would be. No? I liked it fine. Well maybe it was bad in Angora Hills. Emo you mean Agoura Hills. No, it was in Angora Hills. Well no wonder you didn't like it.
Ventura and Ventura Blvd., though only 35 minutes apart geographically, they are worlds apart scenically. Although I must admit that Agoura was pretty before all the yuppies built their McMansions there in the 80s.
You two...er, whatever...
Why I love Ventura as well.To me the Pier is Ventura like China Doll is Camarillo.Lets go...Right Now!
That was beautifully evoked, in words and images.
Beautiful pictures. How marvellous that those of us who will never get to visit, can do so through the magic of the Blogosphere.
Congratulations on you POTD from David.
In Charleston we always fished off the pier and it was not nearly as long...love the pictures...I'd never get Mac back to the shore should he wander out on those lovely lengths!
Congrats on Post of the Day nomination!
Sandi
Gorgeous pictures of the pier, sea and sky, especially the first!
Hi Steph.....Thanks for the credit of my photograph. There are others of Ventura at Tyler Freear Photography http://www.tylerfreear.com...Regards, Tyler
Thanks for dropping by, Tyler. As you may have noticed, I put your name, linked to your gallery, at the end of the paragraph directly beneath your beautiful photo.
Awesome...Thanks!
Awesome...Thanks!
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