The view of Salts Mill on a calm day is doubled in the reflections in the canal and that's no trouble; I think it is an iconic and unique scene.
But... Trouble #1: The very dry spring and summer, leading to water shortages, has resulted in lock closures and restrictions on boat movements along the canal. This, in turn, is leading to the rapid growth of water plants along the navigation, as you can see here. Though it looks quite pretty, by the time the canal is opened again, I think it will be impassable!
Trouble #2: This little family of swans, who managed to raise four cygnets this year, have had a tragic bereavement. About a month ago, one of the adult pair was found injured on the railway line, having been hit by a train. Although concerned people managed to get it into the care of the local swan rescue charity, sadly it couldn't be saved and died from its injuries. Swans bond for life, so the bereaved partner must still be wondering what happened to his or her soulmate. Nevertheless, s/he continues to keep the growing cygnets close and safe.
We‘ve noticed the water plants in Ripon canal more than in previous years, too, and there were hardly any boats about, although the locks aren‘t closed amd the water level isn‘t lower than usual.
ReplyDeletePoor swan family!
The mill reflected in the water makes a beautiful photo.
The poor swan family must be sad indeed.
ReplyDeleteWe have had little rain here.
Lovely photos and reflections. That is sad about the swan I hope all the cygnets survive. You have had dry weather and we have had unseasonal rain all through winter.
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