CRUISING WITH NATURE

As i`ve been taking it easy of late my journey`s have been short but my last move was from Berkhamstead down to Hemel Hempstead a distance of just 5 miles but with 12 locks and a swing bridge to do it became a long day. It was a dry bright day and with stops for a tea breaks and lunch it was most enjoyable.
The trip became a nature watch with time at each lock to watch the many different birds going about their daily hunt for food etc except that is the 2 joggers who were just out for exercise but still came into my nature watching day.

The changing colours of the trees

Mr Heron watches me as i glide by

The little Robin eyeing me up as i fill a lock

Best of all a Kingfisher poses in a tree as i pass by. Now as most boaters will tell you the Kingfisher usually takes off as you approach but this little fella was not in the least bothered and did in fact remain in the tree just changing branches a couple of times even as i reversed back to grab a few pics. Altogether i managed 7 pictures and witnessed him dive into the water coming back to the same branch with a small fish all within 12` of me. A real cool dude!

At another lock some movement caught my eye and Mr Rat lined up for a picture.