Canal Cruising

Last week I went on a canal boat holiday on the Grand Union Canal. We collected the boat from Welton Haven Marina near to Norton Junction not far from Northampton. Travelling slowly by boat gives you plenty of opportunity to view the wildlife and there is a tranquillity to travelling this way. At times we were sandwiched between the M1 motorway and the fast Virgin pendolino trains on the West Coast mainline to London. On the canal you are protected from the bustle of the fast pace of life.

Not far into our journey we found a fisherman's hut in the grounds of a former toll house.

Fishing for compliments

No payment needed

An old cruiser boat.

Look at the paddle on the side of the boat

Under restoration

Some people make narrowboats their permanent homes. Often they have a section of the tow path to use as a garden, store or somewhere to fit boat surplus.

The sky's the limit

Washing always dries best in the fresh air.

Colourful wash line 

Patterns in the water.

This reflection looks like a two headed dog

We moored at Bugbrooke a very pretty village where many of the houses are yellow orche coloured brick. It was once known as the centre for ladder making. 

Beautiful symmetry

Small windows 

Look at the pattern and colours of the roof tiles

The pretty church St Michael and All Angels is in the centre of the village and has some wonderful stained glass.

A pretty lynch gate

Simplicity

Masterful stained glass

It was lovely to see the primroses in bloom.

Primroses in the churchyard

Also the May in blossom.

Delicate May blossom

Pussy willow.

Furry rabbit tails

Would you like to live here?

You can't get better than that

Lacys Caves

Spring in almost here.The daffodils are flowering and as you drive along the country lanes there are fields of new born lambs.

A tiny lamb with it's mother

Crocus soaking up the sunshine.

A purple dream

Last weekend I walked along the river Eden from Lazonby to Lacy's Caves.There are five chambers carved out in the red sandstone by hand in the 18th century The caves were used by Lieutenant - Colonel Samuel Lacy for entertaining guests.

Just past Eden bridge there were some Canada geese grazing.

Goosey Goosey gander

Snowdrops on the riverbank.

Dainty snowdrops

Golden buttercups.

Stunning

 Beware of sock monsters.

Whaaaaa

Lacy's Caves under the arches.

Look at the colours

Dramatic rock formations.

Gothic arch

Jagged rocks.

Zig zag

Can you see the snake's head formed from the rock?

Beware

Sheep in lamb.

Baa

Eden bridge.

Eden bridge from Kirkoswald

A stunning sky looking towards the snow topped  Pennine hills.

Warwick Wonders 2

Today is Red Nose Day. Several of the scarecrows are supporting Comic Relief.

www.comicrelief.com/donate

Wide eyed and legless

Baby it's cold out here

Is that nose due drink or supporting Comic Relief?

Spring is on it's way. The daffodils are coming into bloom and the curlews and lapwings have returned to the Pennine moors. Such a wondrous sight to see them dipping and diving and the call of the curlew is sorrowful and inspiring.

Warwick is a beautiful town. Three gateways into the town remain. I visited The Church of St Mary's which was steeped in history.

Dramatic. The gateway is narrow for defense purposes

Beautiful old regimental flags in the church.

Lion's rampant

Made from silk

Down in the crypt was an ancient form of torture, a ducking stool.

How to torture

Any volunteers?

The tomb of Thomas Beauchamp is situated near the high altar. It is a good example of fourteenth century fashion.

Look at the detail

A knight in armour

Look at the headress

Richard Beauchamp's tomb was closed for restoration but you could just catch a glimpse. He was one of the richest and most powerful people in the history of England.

Amazing structure

The ceiling of a side chapel.

Beautiful patterns

I also visited Hill Close Gardens. These allotment gardens date back to Victorian times. There was a variety of summer houses all on a different theme.

Superb old implements.

Has anyone seen where I put my fork?

Furnished from a time gone by.

Rest easy

Chickens rule OK.

Cluck

A lovely old glass cloche.

A cloche looking for a plant

Wooden wonder.

Has anyone seen any spare driftwood?

The glasshouse were at the entrance to the allotments. There was a wide selection of snowdrops.

Lovely glasshouses

Bee happy.

I'll get a buzz if you donate

www.comicrelief.com/donate