Enjoying our lovely canals ...

How welcome the bright, warmer weather is after a grey winter. The oil seed rape / canola oil fields are so stunning that a drive was needed today - how can you not be uplifted at this sight? 

Our lovely county of Shropshire is a large rural one, the heart of the Industrial Revolution that propelled the world in to the new age of mechanism ...

These canals once carried barges full of merchandise from our Industries around the country, our precious potteries were safely transported by canal when the roads were too bumpy.

They hold a special place in my heart, I love the way they wind through our countryside, unseen at times but the old highways now carry tourist narrow boats along at a leisurely 4 mile per hour pace, a gently hum the only things that disturbs the peace.

The bright weather today gave us the opportunity to get out & a canal walk was my first choice - it has been a long winter & I just knew that the trees would be greening up & it would be perfect ...

I have seen photos of this unusual canal bridge so it was lovely to see it today with the double arch & the telephone wires on the top arch - it is really tall & spans a deep crossing ...

The water was a little muddy today after our recent rains but the ducks with  their sweet young ducklings did not seem to mind ...

The bridges are all different sizes & shapes which frame the views beyond ...

 The countryside is so green now & the hedgerows are filled with pretty flowers ...

We called in for drinks at a tiny little canalside pub - the bar was just this little counter with what looked like 2 front rooms for patrons,  everyone sat in the garden enjoying the canal views & the sunshine - bliss ...

As we eventually walked back, the sun was much brighter & we had walked 7.5km along the tow paths. The reflections were perfect, it was green, peaceful & the perfect way to spend an afternoon.

On the way home, we passed a lot of poly tunnels, all laid out so beautiful,  a nod to the agrarian nature of our county where farming is still very evident. 

Thank you for stopping by & taking the time to read & comment,
Dee ~💕~

Enjoy our canals with the lads ....

Hi everyone

I hope you are thinking of the impending busy time ahead but taking time to just breathe too.

Our county is blessed with a fabulous network of canals which criss cross it. In days gone by, these provided a safe way of transporting our goods about, particularly the delicate china wares from our world famous potteries as they  carried our goods to ports for transport all around the world.

These canals still buzz with life - many folk live there permanently & many more visit & hire canal boats to enjoy the network which connects to the others around the UK.

These are some of our canals ... a misty-morning-on-canals

This very same canal we took today in mid winter - an-icy-canal-walk

Our canals passing through Birmingham  with its lovely Jewellery Quarter 

Walking the canals in our county

Quite by chance I saw the last trip of the season advertised on Friday & I messaged my Godsons Mum to ask - please can I have them for the day? I have walked our canal paths often with the lads so knew they would enjoy it. I was delighted when she said 'YES'

The morning started with 'wintery rain' here - sleet & a brisk 4C only. We were not deterred - nothing an extra layer of clothes can't keep at bay.

I have walked these canals at Norbury Junction several times & we all looked forward to boarding.

Excited passengers waiting to board ....

Rain as we drink tea in the warm canal side cafe - bleak

First to board - oh yes , the front seats will do nicely ...

I was glad to have my warm bobble hat, scarf, gloves & jacket - it was brisk outside

Hot tea served - that warmed us up nicely ...

Lovely rural passing scenery ...

Waving at folk walking on the tow paths ...

Cows may safely graze, undeterred by our presence passing their fields ...

Passing under one of the shorter bridges - so tranquil & peaceful ... 

This boat trip gears down & collects hot fish & chips from the rural town of Gnosall as we pass - oh yes, it was so good in the cold weather. Lots of chatter while we enjoyed our meal onboard!

 Even another sudden burst of rain did not dampen our spirits as the boat came to the turning basin at Onn.

A fascinating link to the famous Cadbury factory where we turned along the canal ... 

The return of the blue skies & autumn colours ...

Littlest Godson enjoyed the Dominoes provided ...

A fabulous day, relaxing & perfect for just catching up on the lads news before the hectic season arrives! 

The trip provided a perfect slow paced catch up time on the canals - the lads even won a bottle of sweets on the boat raffle which was the cherry on top. I hope you have enjoyed the trip with us. Leave a note to let me know you have stopped by. 

Dee ~♥~