Changing Seasons

There really isn't anything better than the prospect of an autumn day out on the canal when the leaves are changing colours and the sun is warm and the water calm. After the eventful few weeks we have had it was welcome respite to be back travelling.

It's nice to see the familiar stretches of canal changing with the season. Our ultimate destination was to Sparks Bridge services to empty the waste tank, stopping at Burscough for a week before descending the Rufford Branch  the following weekend and sharing the locks with a fellow traveller.

I decided to make a casserole that would cook as slowly as we were moving, being ready on our arrival. Although I much prefer being above deck while we are travelling it was rather enjoyable pottering about in my kitchen while the scenery gently rolled past my window.

Appley Deep Lock Waterfall

Looking down the canal from Appley bottom lock gates, we were about to make some fishermen very unhappy. Oh dear, what a shame...you wouldn't notice the difference!

Picturesque little bridges dot the canal between Appley Bridge and Parbold

Nosiy geese arriving for winter, a trip to Martin Mere is always worthwhile

The bridge at the top of the Rufford Branch, 

I really like the reflection in the photo below owing to such a still day

An opportunity to stop and top up with water along the way

Heading towards Burscough, a line of orange and gold leaved trees lining the route under the bridge, past the mill that has now been converted to apartments and onto our home for the week.