Easter Sunday walk along the canal

Easter weekend traffic is always terrible on the motorway here in the UK.  So I try and stay local and enjoy what is only 20 minutes from me and why wouldn't you when you see what there is.

If you have followed my blog for a long time you'll know I often go to WWT Slimbridge.  To get there you go over the The Gloucester and Sharpness Canal.  

It is a ship canal in the west of England, between Gloucester and Sharpness. For much of its length it runs close to the tidal River Severn, but cuts off a significant loop in the river, at a once dangerous bend near Arlingham. It was once the broadest and deepest canal in the world.

I was so chuffed to see a boat named after me!! 

There are all sorts of boats along the river bank.  I loved how they managed to get so many flowers on this one. 

They also had a huge boat that was for river cruises. 

This sign was great that I came across too.  Only 34.5 miles to Bristol Cathedral! 

The other brilliant thing about the canal was the much slower pace of life.  The fact that you can just listen to nature as you walk and the people you meet who are so friendly.  

On my way both up and back I met Mike who was 70 and happily fishing this stretch of the river, which he does 3 times a week.  

He lived in a cottage nearby which dated back to 1610 with his wife who he met when he was 17 and she was 14!!! and they have been together ever since. 

He was such an amazing guy to chat to with so many stories to tell and a great fisherman.  

While I was there he caught two 10lb Seabass.  He showed me his hook and line it was so thin it was incredible the skill needed to thread it.  He also always put all the fish back he caught. 

I did a respectable 6.5 mile walk from Slimbridge along the canal and back.  As I'd parked in Slimbridge carpark I had to have a whistle stop visit!! 

The gardens were so pretty too. 

Finally I managed a tiny bit of knitting on my Son's sock in the Duck Decoy hut. 

I hope you have enjoyed your Easter and this blog. 

Until next time..... 

Highnam Court Open Gardens

The National Open Garden Scheme NGS is now in full swing here in the UK.

A few years ago I visited Highnam Court with my Son.  Today I took Luna for a trip out.

Spread over 40 acres the gardens are beautiful.  There are a mixture of perfectly planted gardens, an acre's worth of Rose garden's that I will be going back to see in the summer.

Two very large lakes and a rockery with a big pond and the most photographic planting of Helabores of so many varieties and delicate Primroses.  

I spoke to a lady who had travelled up from Bristol and she said just how well kept the garden's are and she is right they are not over managed they just look natural. 

Then we have the sculptures.  Goodness so many, some from wood and metal and the carvings are just so skilled. 

So let me share my trip with picture's for you to enjoy. 

My favourite sculpture had to be this one. 

I mean who doesn't love Toad of Toad Hall! 

Luna came out for a short while, but their were to many dog's for her so she happily watched the world from the safety of the backpack. 

Hope you enjoyed reading and viewing.  Please do leave a comment below I would love to hear what you think. 

Until next time...