Ducklings morning walk!

( View large)
Surprised to see these very young ducklings today, coming towards us on the tow path.
I wonder if it was their first trip out!
What huge webbed feet they had! No wonder they are such good swimmers!
I wonder if it was her second brood.

Went with friends today to Ripon, and had a lovely walk along the canal.
The weather was warm, a few glimpses of sun, and a shower of rain.
I always find canals so peaceful. This one went through some lovely countryside before joining the river Ure.

The Ripon Canal and River Ure Navigation runs for 10 miles from the centre of Ripon to Swale Nab where the rivers Ure and Swale join to form the Ouse. It is currently the northern most canal connected to the inland waterway system. Planned in 1766 by John Smeaton also famous for building lighthouses, it was abandoned in 1956 but successfully reopened to navigation as far as Littlethorpe Road Bridge in 1986, and officially re-opened in 1996 all the way back to the canal basin in the centre of Ripon.

I only found out it was there by an article written in the Yorkshire Post last year.
There are two bird hides along the way which overlook the wetlands bird sanctuary.
We saw great crested grebes, goosanders ,cormorants, tufted ducks, swans, lapwings, oystercatchers, coots, mallards, greylag geese, grey wagtails ,and a greater spotted woodpecker. plus other birds, lots of dragonflies, and a few butterflies.

Called at the pub on the way home, and then fish and chips to bring back home, to have with a nice pot of tea!

Watched the repeat of the rowers gold medal win, and Bradley Wiggins GOLD!
What a great end to the day!!

Well done Team GB.

Oh and don't forget it's YORKSHIRE DAY!!!!!

Hope you are having a great week too!