Tuesday, 15 May 2012
R is for Ratty
ABC Wednesday and R is for Ratty - 2 days - 2 walks and of course a few pics
First day out a trip to walk the towpath of the Shropshire Union Canal from the Longboat Inn and on to the Jack Mytton - a coffee and a sandwich at the Longboat was a must before setting off...
The day was perfect - everything smelt fresh after the rain and the trees and hedges were a vivid green - wild garlic grew on the canal side - wafting a musky perfume across the pathways
The ducks kept their distance - proudly displaying their ducklings ..
Look at this cute baby mallard - perfectly marked - swimming round - there was only he or she and a brother or sister - such is the way of nature - so many dangers lurking round the next corner
The mother duck kept a close eye on us ..and the drake swam round proudly - the sun catching his colourful glossy neck and wing feathers
Canal boats chugged away aimlessly towards Llangollen
The canal was quite busy - canal boating seems to be very popular - perhaps we will try it one day
We reached the Jack Mytton Inn and then made our journey back - Daniel Craig lunched at the Jack Mytton a while ago - but he was not here today - I did check!!
On the way back we found the tree trunk in the header pic - look it is straight from the book Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Graham- Badgers' house - and so we have R for Ratty and of course don't let us forget Toad - Mole and Badger and many more I have attached a clip from You Tube which I hope you enjoy!!
Second trip out was to a Plant Fair at Attingham Hall and to view the bluebells
and look Mardh Marigolds - a favourite of mine
So now back out into the garden to tidy up the borders and check the green house - linking today to ABC Wednesday - Our World Tuesday - and Nature Notes -
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Hi there - what a splendid set of pictures. And yes there is a feeling of Ratty and Mole about the boats.
ReplyDeleteWind in the Willows is such a classic - but what heck is Chapter 7 "The Piper at the Gates of Dawn" about??
Cheers - Stewart M - Australia (late of Somerset and places north!)
I have just re-read that chapter now - quite intense stuff - love it - thanks for your comment
DeleteEnjoyable post!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
ReplyDeleteThanks for calling Boom and Gary
DeleteOh, canal barges..the stuff dreams are made of!
ReplyDeleteI've always wanted to spend a holiday on a canal barge.....it would have to be autumn, swirling morning mists, hot soup and bread for lunch, heading to a country pub for dinner....bliss.
Jane x
I've had Sunday lunch on a barge once and that was fun - but never a holiday - it is on my to do list1 - have a good week
ReplyDeleteThanks for the magical trip along the canal. What a lovely area and I love Wind in the Willows and that delightful tree.
ReplyDeleteYes I thought the tree was brilliant - it was just the setting for it - it was a most enjoyable afternoon
DeleteThat little duckling is gorgeous. Thanks so much for commenting on my blog. The lurgy is still making its presence but I think we might be winning. Hope you and B are well xx
ReplyDeleteHello Molly - thanks for visiting - great to hear you are both on the mend from the flu lurgy x
DeleteWhat you refer to as marigolds, look like what we call "buttercups." Lovely area and the bluebells are all out here, too. Have a great week,
ReplyDeleteLeslie
abcw team
Thankyou for your comment Leslie - the Marsh Marigolds in the pic are Caltha palustris - Ranunculaceae - and have a fatter leaf than our meadow buttercups - they are getting more scarce round here - but when we were in the Shetlands a couple of years ago they were everywhere so beautiful
DeleteAs always Jane, beautifully composed pictures. I love canals and have always wanted to own a narrowboat so that I could explore England's waterways. But they are so expensive to buy. :(
ReplyDeleteAs you mentioned 'Wind in the Willows' may I be so bold as to tell you that Kenneth Graham lived just across the River from here, where I sit and type this. I can almost see his old home. I hope you don't mind if I give you a link to a post that I did years ago. You may like it. It shows where Kenneth got his ideas, whilst living alongside the Thames at Cookham.
Cheers.....Bernard
http://monkey-organ.blogspot.co.uk/2009/08/bourne-end-mole-unearthed.html
Good Morning Bernard - thankyou for calling - I have tried without success to find your post - but I will try again later because I would really like to catch up on that one - Bye - Jane
DeleteSorry to hear you can't connect. :(
DeleteThat link is correct. I posted it way back on 1st August 2009. On my blog there is a blog-list by date, so perhaps you could track it that way.
Thanks for trying. Cheers.....B (and Wesley)
Relaxing photos to look at!
ReplyDeleteR is for RED, come and see.
Rose, ABC Wednesday Team
Thank for visiting - yes I shall pop over
DeleteOh I loved the Wind in the Willows..it was one of my favorites..I enjoyed the video and your lovely photos..glad you had a wonderful day Jane... Michelle
ReplyDeleteThanks for calling Michelle - have a grand week in your beautiful garden
DeleteI am a huge "Wind in the Willows" fan from way back and so are my kids!
ReplyDeleteI think canal boating would be a perfect holiday - like an ocean cruise but with better scenery!
I really liked your post very much!!
Yes I would like a holiday on a canal boat - a bit safer than a cruise ship maybe!!
DeleteI love nature. That little boat looks like fun!
ReplyDeleteYes the people on the boats looked to be having a good time and there certainly was lots to see
DeleteI love England, and these gorgeous captures remind me why.
ReplyDeleteThe boats and wildlife were fun to capture and the light was ever changing that day - yes it was a good day
DeleteJane, lovely images from your walks. The canal boat is neat, are they open for public rides? I love the cute duckling, adorable shot. Wonderful nature post.
ReplyDeleteYes anyone can hire a canal boat with a little instruction and spend a break away from it all - it is on our list of things to do
ReplyDeleteSuch great walks you shared -- love the spring flowers and critters. Aand we are crazy for canal boats (we were so lucky to take a cruise in one once when we spent some time in London, but we wish we were younger and had more time and could rent our own someday.)
ReplyDelete