Messin' about on the Water...

Kennet & Avon Canal.

Dull down south in the fair county of Wiltshire, later in the afternoon it was sunnier further north.

Took bus to Pewsey Lock and simply walked for an hour and a half eastwards, then returned for about the same time and distance, back.

Lazy, sedated stroll, few fellow walkers, many barges moored up but only four craft gliding elegantly on the water. Just four of five pictures of each - they move surprisingly quickly and only one shot would be in the correct position in the carefully framed, planned photos.

Some cheerily wave and say hello. Some don't. They all do look relaxed though and that sense of total peace with the world - what a way to live, or for so many, spend a few hours getting away from it all.

Though their serenity could be spoilt slightly by the massive flight of Caen Hill locks, a few miles west, at Devizes.

The southern fringe of the Marlborough Downs can be seen in the background.

Lens is Nikkor 16-85mm VR

This thin tree-fringed watery ribbon
that crosses the land
which was once a hive of industrial activity
is now peaceful and languidly lazy.

The silence is broken by a gentle chug chug
from the occasional passing pleasure craft;
Civility and gentle quirkiness is abound
the colours of living on the water
A haven for wildlife and for quiet walking.