This really has something that I haven't seen in your other landscapes, Graeme. Must be the connection to the place, or maybe you've photographed it many times before.
David, I think what this has that the others are missing is water! For the last 11 years I've lived in an arid area where little surface water can be found. Before I moved there, nearly every shot of mine had water in it (didn't realise this until I went through all my favourite shots from that time). I find myself drawn to water when I have my camera with me.
As to photographing this before: no, I've never done it. This was my first visit to the pier since I was a teenager. At that age, I hadn't picked up a camera at all. But I do distinctly remember the beautiful light which occurs at sunrise on this part of the coast (my formative years were spent around here). So in a round-about way, this area inspired me to take up landscape photography.
Actually, what this has that others have lacked from my work is the ability to dodge the image in the camera - I've never used ND grads before this trip. I'm hooked now though.
Good job Graeme. I used ND's all the time. Like you, I am drawn to water; I lived in Arizona before moving here. If you ever have the time, I would suggest following the Murray River - I did it last year. There is a lot of spectacular scenery.