Tuesday 6 November 2007

Far from the madding crowd....

They say in Britain "If you don't like the weather, then wait 5 minutes!" Today there was glorious sunshine. I rushed work in order to escape to the water before the weather reverted to its usual English autumn gloom.

I love my kayak, it's my way of keeping sane. A little bit of exercise far from the madding crowd.


The days are getting so short now, you feel the need to cram everything in before nightfall.



Weekdays out on the canals are gloriously quiet. This time of year most of the recreational longboats are moored up until warmer days and the residential barges are huddled together for company, so I have long stretches of waterway to myself.




It's been a good year for rose hips and I collected loads ready to made into rose hip syrup later on.





After three or more miles of paddling it was time for a break. I can't get over how good this tiny titanium meths stove is. It packs away inside my mug and on a still day like today will bring water to boil in no time at all. A nice warming hot chocolate.






Refreshed, I was on my way. The water was like glass, the only ripples extended from the bow of the boat. It was lovely to be able to paddle looking downwards watching the reflection of the clouds and the illuminated traces of overhead jets.







Soon the light began to yellow. The sun sank low, silhouetting the trees. I turned for home. The curious horses in the canal side fields paced me to the extent of their enclosures offering pleasant companionship.








It was such a peaceful day, I didn't want to leave as I paddled through my own personal oil painting....









7 comments:

Angela Marie said...

What a wonderful day you had! You got some beautiful pics... I have been sitting here just looking at them. Looks so peaceful! Big sigh~

photowannabe said...

Brilliant ending picture and closing to your post. Love it.
Terrific reflection shots.

Madwag said...

now that is really lush.... thank you for sharing your day w/ us.

JLee said...

Those pics are magnificent! Feels like I'm there...

Lavender said...

That was brilliant Barkfoot, I feel refreshed now too, Thanks! And the fall colours, simply splendid!

"M2" said...

is that last picture real?
as in you took it?
it needs framed

Barkfoot said...

Secret Agent - I was trying to get some 'reflections in the water' shots but was getting frustrated because the kayak kept sending out ripples every time I moved. So I moved away and used the zoom, used a slow shutter speed because it was going dark and this meant I got a bit of motion blur which gives it that painting look. I also set the camera to a halogen light setting which was inappropriate but seemed to make the bridge stand out. I was just messing about but sometimes you get lucky and it comes out well.