It was a chilly Sunday, with intermittent light showers, but the birds and boaters seemed to have decided that spring was in the air. Over winter you don't see that many boats on the move on the canal but on my Sunday walk I was passed by half a dozen craft of various types and sizes. The guys on the Silsden hire boat above were amused to be having their photo taken and responded with some friendly banter, always nice.
I've seen this boat moored in Skipton quite a few times. It has a memorable name: Pink Bitz. There was a young couple aboard - and bikes too, essential for getting around once the boat is moored up.
Three young swans were quite curious about passers-by. Maybe they hoped for food. They looked like last year's cygnets, still with pale beaks and slightly mottled plumage. It was at about this point too that I was thrilled to see a tiny wren darting about. They are quite secretive little birds but very sweet, with their upturned tails.
This stretch going into Riddlesden has some rather nice canalside houses, with pretty gardens. A few blossom trees are just beginning to show colour.
What lovely photos all, but the last is my fav.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful walk.
ReplyDeleteYou did well not to be deterred by the light showers or chilly temperature.
ReplyDeleteI have always been curious about the inside of the canal boats, but so far have never set foot on one, only seen them moored or drifting along the Ripon canal.