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 -

28 comments:

  1. Hi there - what a splendid set of pictures. And yes there is a feeling of Ratty and Mole about the boats.

    Wind 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!)

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    1. I have just re-read that chapter now - quite intense stuff - love it - thanks for your comment

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  2. Enjoyable post!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.

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  3. Oh, canal barges..the stuff dreams are made of!
    I'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

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  4. 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

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  5. Thanks for the magical trip along the canal. What a lovely area and I love Wind in the Willows and that delightful tree.

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    1. Yes I thought the tree was brilliant - it was just the setting for it - it was a most enjoyable afternoon

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  6. That 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

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    1. Hello Molly - thanks for visiting - great to hear you are both on the mend from the flu lurgy x

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  7. What 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,

    Leslie
    abcw team

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    1. 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

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  8. As 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. :(
    As 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

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    1. 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

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    2. Sorry to hear you can't connect. :(
      That 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)

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  9. Relaxing photos to look at!

    R is for RED, come and see.
    Rose, ABC Wednesday Team

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    1. Thank for visiting - yes I shall pop over

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  10. Oh 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

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    1. Thanks for calling Michelle - have a grand week in your beautiful garden

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  11. I am a huge "Wind in the Willows" fan from way back and so are my kids!

    I think canal boating would be a perfect holiday - like an ocean cruise but with better scenery!

    I really liked your post very much!!

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    1. Yes I would like a holiday on a canal boat - a bit safer than a cruise ship maybe!!

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  12. I love nature. That little boat looks like fun!

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    1. Yes the people on the boats looked to be having a good time and there certainly was lots to see

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  13. I love England, and these gorgeous captures remind me why.

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    1. The boats and wildlife were fun to capture and the light was ever changing that day - yes it was a good day

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  14. Jane, 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.

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  15. Yes 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

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  16. Such 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.)

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