Waterside Wandering

On Monday morning, I went out for a walk up the hill and into the park.

Early pearly sunshine and long shadows, the grass still damp with dew.

At the bottom left of the park runs the canal and I was all set for some waterside wandering.

It was only seven ay-em and nobody else was about. I saw not one soul.

The day was sparkly and bright, the water perfectly clear and still.

The brightly painted boats were all still asleep, with cosy curtains drawn and a feeling of sleepy tranquility.

It has been a busy weekend on the canal as our town held it's annual Waterways festival.

Many, many boats had sailed in for the occasion and were moored two deep in some places.

I love the colourful details. Of course I do, I am a true colour junkie :o)

I had a bIg smile for this bicycling parrot with his basket of flowers and his rainbow wheels (which spin in the breeze).

I love the floral accents too, and it was lovely to see so many beautiful rooftop planters full of spring flowers.

Rooftop flowers of a different kind were equally charming.

Flowers and rainbows, balloons and bunting, it was very jolly along the waterside.

I think this has to be my all time favourite boat with it's beautiful front garden and stained glass doors. I wish I could have seen inside.

I love this picture. I love the way the clouds reflected in the water makes it look so dreamy and light.

The canal basin is at the heart of the town and was full to bursting with boaty activity. Even on this quiet early morning it felt exciting and festive.

Leaving the bustle behind now, this is a branch of the main canal which has a small beck running alongside it.

I stopped to gaze at these newly unfurled beech leaves, and thought to myself that I really must take the family to walk in the woods at Bolton Abbey very soon (remember the green greenery?)

I love this old bridge. We sailed underneath it a few weeks ago, Little B and I.

We took a completely impromptu ride on a small tourist boat one Saturday afternoon, passing right under this bridge on the way to the castle. It was magical hearing the journey narrated through the eyes and voice of Little B. He was more than a little excited.

This is a favourite spot of ours, beneath this weeping willow tree. It is very green, shady and cool in the height of summer, and is often a place that we stop to rest.

I just remembered that last year we sat on that very bench, Little B and I, and consumed two whole punnets of strawberries between us. Playgroup to home, via the market and the willow tree.

Ahhh, home again, walking up the cobbled street to arrive at my back gate. It was a lovely wander and amazingly I was only gone for half an hour. The Little People didn't even realise I was missing until I walked in the back door.

I love wandering around my neighbourhood. It's a pretty special kind of a place to live.

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Comments

[Deirdre]

Wow Lucy, you certainly live in a beautiful place, looking at your pics might even tempt me to get up early some morning for a stroll round my neighbourhood...too many late nights crocheting do not make for early starts I'm afraid!!!!

[Belinda]

One of my friends recommended your blog and I'm so glad she did! This post reminds me of the years I lived in Burnley - I used to like walking along the canal too :)

[Angy Braine]

Can we please swap homes/houses/lives for just one day? ONE day - promise. You enjoy the sunshine and beaches and blue skies of Perth and I'll enjoy the greenery, charm, cosiness and history of Yorkshire. Pretty please!
♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

[Diana]

Just wanted to wish you a very Happy Mother's Day. In Canada it is today May 12th.

[Diana James]

I have wonderful memories of a longboat trip in England a while ago, your lovely photos brought back lovely memories for me.

[Jeannie D]

What a gift to be able to walk your little one to and from school/ playgroup...no cars allowed!I love where you live and always enjoy your photos as much as your lovely crochet work. I'm gushing, but yours is one of my favorite blogs to turn to whenever I need a pick-me-up! Thanks!

[Kristina Kyle]

You always brighten my days! Here in the southeastern US spring is in full swing! But the weather won't cooperate! It's 80 one day and 50 the next. I am longing for regular warm weather and summer fun! Best wishes to you as always,
Krustina

[Karmen]

En que lugar tan hermoso que vives!!!!

[KayElleC]

knew the waterways festival was on and hoped you would post photos...I WILL make it one year!

Have a happy hooky weekend xx

[Merik King]

Absolutely beautiful. Thank you for posting. The boats are truly wondrous, as are the old buildings, bridges, and countryside.

[Sue Harding]

Ha! That 'Back'o' the Bec' shot is where my daughter used to live! :-)

[Jen Y]

The hills are so green & beautiful! Love it.

[Linda M]

Lucy, I love where you live! Your photos are so delightful.

[Andria]

I want to come and live there! (Or somewhere similar...) I must learn to open my eyes more to the beauty around me.

[Ellen]

I feel transported after viewing your photos. What a wonderful world for a child to grow up in. Who lives on those boats? Are they vacationers or can they be lived in year round? Are they dry docked somewhere during the winter? I think making up stories about the boat people would be great fun with the kids. I used to lay in bed with my kids and make up all sorts of stories. At the end of the day I was very tired, so I could lie there with my eyes shut and spin tales. As grown ups now they treasure those stories.

[mahek]

You are so lucky to be able to stay in such a place which seems to be quite and peaceful.
I always wanted to stay somewhere quite and relaxed although my hometown or native place is just that, I am born and bought up in a city which is a proper city .. with crowd , pollution, and best of facilities which offcourse come at a price.
You can read about my city Mumbai in India on the net and you will get the picture..
How I love to browse through your pictures and imagine myself walking alongside the canal..
To have a cup of coffee in small local cafe with a book.. Humm ...But I think I can only imagine that ..

[Lyn Z... Long Island, NY, USA]

SO special indeed that via your sharing it makes each day I get to read your blog about your magical corner of the world that I too feel my days enriched and a bit more special for having that the privilege to share in it!!! THANX!

[Lianne]

You live in such a beautiful place!!

[SHARITA]

Obviously, the place where you live and the photos you are able to take are so beautiful. But I feel it is the way you perceive everything around you -and therefore the way you make us perceive it- what makes it glorious. Please, carry on!!!

[Rachel]

Lovely photos, thanks for sharing your walk with us.
I tried taking my own photos as I went through my day recently (sunshine in the garden, a mug of coffee on a crocheted coaster etc) and it really made me appreciate the small simple everyday pleasures that I normally overlook. Reading your blog inspires me to be content and happy with my life - thank you!

[Valerie]

You can buy the cycling parrot in Lidl! I wanted to buy one for my garden but hubby wouldn't let me :( (I have too many windmills already (apparently!)) x

[Chel C]

I really envy you Lucy! I am in absolute love with canal boats and dream of one day owning one. You certainly have a wonderful walk around your neck of the woods. Take care. Chel x

[simona]

congratulations for your blog!I've been following it for a short time and I think it's amazing! I like your photos and your craft! you're great and I'm very fond of England and you are able to show us its deep soul! greetings from Italy

[Sue]

What a lovely wander x

[Victoria Porritt]

Made me smile to see the buckby can with Elland painted on it as that's where I live. Aren't small Yorkshire towns wonderful places to live :-)