Along the Grand Union Canal

Today I went for a long walk.

First along the Grand Union Canal, where I spotted this heron on the other side.

Then along the old disused canal arm. Here are the remnants of a.n old lock

The past the river Great Ouse ...

... until I reached the Grand Union canal. Here is the old Iron Aqueduct, recently repainted.

Up the fields.

And back home. I love where I live!

Along the river Great Ouse

Today I went for a walk along the river Great Ouse.


This beautiful old cedar tree stands in the church yard of Holy Trinity church.

Walking down from the church to the river, I met this swan, who appreciated the sweetcorn kernels, which I had brought.

Further up the river I walked through the tunnel which runs under the old Iron Aqueduct that crosses the river.

Underneath the aqueduct I spotted this juvenile heron who was looking for fish.

Walking back home along the canal I fed some ducks ...

... and spotted this canal boat which was frozen in.

Then it was time to head home. Time really flies!

Bedford

Our wedding anniversary is tomorrow, but today is the day the children are at school and we have the day to ourselves - so we spent it exploring Bedford. It's a place we normally drive through to go elsewhere, but we have never spent any time visiting.

We visited St Paul's church and the John Bunyan Museum, where we received a brilliant guided tour by a delightful elderly man.

We also spent a little while looking at our old friend, the river Great Ouse - looking wider and grander than it does further West.

Unfortunately the weather wasn't great, but it was lovely spending a quiet day together.

The old mill

Today we walked past the old mill at the river Great Ouse. It is long disused, and has been converted into apartments. 

 

The weir, which used to supply the mill is still there. 

 

The great thing about going for walks is how you notice the small things along the way. Such as peering inside a hollow tree along the edge of the river.

And spotting the newly emerging buds on the trees. 

Walking into spring

Today was a beautiful early spring day - still cold and blustery, but also sunny. The sun is now noticeably gathering strength!

I enjoyed a long walk along the river Great Ouse with my 13-year old son. It's a great opportunity for us to spend time together, relax and chat - and, best of all, end with a cup of tea and cake in the local cafe.

I am really, really, REALLY looking forward to spring now, to the emerging of the first green, to the birds nesting and us planning our garden.

Nature seems to be at the ready - just waiting for the right day to spring into life ...

I cannot wait!