Duck Day for RedFlash

'Still too much bread is being dumped in the waterways,' Canal & River Trust says.

RedFlash has adopted a pair of London city ducks and keeps us informed of their well-being, weekend breaks, dietary preferences etc. After a day or two of getting to know them using the much loved but less healthy bread, she now buys them appropriate duck food.

I have since also reported on the efforts here by MrB and another hunter to increase the population of wild duck around us. I won't pretend that simply increasing numbers is for the pleasure of all us non hunters but I know him well enough that he does this as much because of he pleasure of seeing them about their daily business as much as the hunting part in autumn.

Today I set off for Ottobeuren meaning to seek out the shelter of the forest for our walk, as it was cloudy, very windy and very cold +4°C. Being Monday, I wanted to check if my potential Land Rover (newish Range Rover) was in position which involved taking a slight detour. The RR was indeed there but I was so close to another of our walks that I took the chance of freezing.

It wasn't quite as bad as feared and indeed as we made the turn home, the sun came out. Didn't make it a single bit warmer but gave out positive vibes. Then just before getting to the car saw the Bliped scene and thought I must get it for RedFlash and her ducks.

In fact not only for the ducks on the mill stream but also for the flour mill in the background with the blue shutters (Basilica towers behind it), as  those who follow RedFlash, will know she and her husband work at the National Trust Winchester Mill from time to time. So ducks & mill seemed like an ideal Blip to thank her for her duck and mill voluntary work.

The owner of the mill who also lives there drove up at that moment and knowing her from several short conversations in the past, we had a quick chat.

The mill is referred to as the Upper Mill , built in 1485, rebuilt in 1575 and until 1803 in the ownership of the Abbey. Since 1557 right up to today, it has been operated by the family Wagner. It stopped production in 1967 after it could no longer compete with modern mills. Most of the equipment is still present but the mill stones were sold. Since 1980, a small amount of electricity is produced at the mill (5kW).

As the owners also have a farm nearby we also discussed something I might manage to incorporate in to tomorrows hopeful Tractor Tuesday planned Blip.