Along the canal
The scents, sounds and sights along the local canal.
Wafts of bacon frying, with a sizzle. The light morning mist reflecting on the water.
Walking through wood burning smoke plumes dodging the prickly geese who are getting ready to hiss should I pass by too closely.
The deep oily scent of paraffin transporting me to campsites set amongst fields.
Tiny clouds of midges, moving as one noiselessly, under the low hanging branches.
A lone grey heron across the water, so still I have to double take to check it’s real. A slight incline of it’s head stops if from being a statue.
The dark wet nose of a dog pokes over the edge of a canal boat before the rest of him emerges, king of his floating castle. A woof as I walk by.
Flash of red in the hedgerow. A few steps further along and there it is again. Another flash of red. It’s a curious robin, bobbing alongside me for company.
Damp fills my nostrils and the light disappears momentarily. I’m under the bridge.
Light guides me out the otherside towards the hum of a generator. Coffee replaces the damp. The sound of someone busy inside their boat.
The water is busier now, ducks, ducks and more ducks. A few float closer in case there’s any food to be had.
White cotton wool clouds streak the blue sky, the promise of a bright day ahead.
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