From Market Harborough Union Wharf to Foxton Locks

With Harry and Maureen. 11 and a half miles. Beautiful weather - just walk along the canal towpath.

A blue bright morning

golden leaves in the sun

the canal is mirror smooth

with perfect reflections

painted narrowboats

houses, trees, the sky

in replica below.

Across the cut huge houses with gardens

tables and chairs by the waterside

two canoes sleeping on the water.

The nearside is home to smaller dwellings

fenced off from the towpath

gates locked against the world.

Boats cruise by, the boaters waving

one hand on the tiller 

and the other on a cup of tea.

Dogs and their people take their daily walk.

Bridges and reflections form near circles 

yellow leaves blanket the water

reeds and weeds with seeds dance in the wind

fieldfares are in the hedges 

- the first this year 

flying from Scandinavian cold

By the lockside pub 

we sit with coffee and a sandwich.

Hopeful swans and ducks swim near

 - they're disappointed -

one swears at a too-nosey dog.

Boats wait their turn to use the stair of locks

there's comradeship in lock life.

With bellies filled we set off back

the sun has gone 

a mini-shower sprinkles the canal.

we have the wind behind us

and walk at quite a pace

with plenty of breath to talk.

Cue for a rendition of "Bill and Ben"

Goats with mouths of steel eating hawthorn twigs

Tame as you like.

Harry walks a little way ahead

suddenly he stops  -" shh - a kingfisher”

sitting on a willow branch, 

all blue and orange brown

it flashes like a blue arrow above the water

a bird that always makes the day sublime.


Even if you can't get a photo!