Solace Day 4 - Gadwall

Last night we moored near an RSPB reserve, the Middleton Lakes Nature reserve, so that this morning we could take a walk and see what was there.

We got up early and cruised along to the winding hole so we could turn the boat around, heading back to the marina. We moored again at the entrance to the reserve and took the long lenses. We didn't get very close to the water so the birds were a long way away.

Thankfully there was a viewing area with slots in a fence where the reeds had been cut. I was amazed to see a number of gadwall, a pretty duck I don't know if I have ever seen before. It had to be my blip today.

I also enjoyed chasing the dragonflies along the path and seeing a large flock of peewits (green plovers).

Our journey back was not without a we-woz-getting-nowhere moment without the luxury of being able to 'ave a cuppa tea. The rudder got lodged in a shallow bit of the canal, perhaps among rocks. we couldn't move forward or backward.

The Man was out on the towpath pulling the bow line to no effect when, eventually a dog walker came along and saw a chance to assist. He loved ropes and had a yacht in Wales. By removing the mid line and attaching it to the stern line the two men were able to pull the boat free and we were on our way again.

Life afloat is never without drama.