Canal chat

Barry, June & Harry (on 'Margaret Rose'), originally uploaded by Lancaster Today.

Went for a walk with the kids this evening and had the pleasure of meeting Barry & June and their grandson Harry, aged 6. They have been in Lancaster for a few nights and plan to stay a couple more before heading up to Hest Bank.

Barry and June have lived full-time on Margaret Rose since retiring a couple of years ago. They love their new lifestyle, despite the odd compromise it entails. Confined spaces can sometimes lead to a bit of squabbling, they confided, but everyone looked happy and relaxed this evening!

Just before this, we met Jacqueline and Len on The Owl & The Pussycat who graciously agreed to have their photo taken. Perhaps we'll see them again tomorrow evening and find out a little more about their experiences living on a narrow-boat. Thanks to them all!

Jacqueline & Len ('TheOwl & The Pussycat'), originally uploaded by Lancaster Today.

Yellow spires?

St Thomas' doors, originally uploaded by Lancaster Today.

Walking past this church on Penny Street this evening, and the doors jumped out at me! Not sure if they've been recently painted or if my senses were heightened after a spicy pizza in Verdes restaurant, but St. Thomas Church sure is jazzy!

Its roof, on the other hand, maintains a sense of timeless dignity and decorum:

St Thomas' roof, originally uploaded by Lancaster Today.

Impression of The Water Witch

Impression of The Water Witch , originally uploaded by Lancaster Today.

Last night's pub tonight in abstraction. An impressionistic reflection on the canal.

Talisman on Lancaster Canal

Talisman 2, originally uploaded by Lancaster Today.

This is Talisman, making its way to Hest Bank from Lancaster along the canal. And below, you can see her going under a political bridge. A few more photos of her can be found here.

Talisman, originally uploaded by Lancaster Today.

And here is what they left behind. Perhaps they had a drink in The Water Witch the previous evening?

The Water Witch on Lancaster Canal, originally uploaded by Lancaster Today.

The Water Witch pub, a local favourite for a quiet pint and a meal by the water.

( p.s More photos of the canal to come Julie)

Ashton Golf Centre

Ashton golf club signs, originally uploaded by Lancaster Today.

In the shadow of its prestigious neighbour, Lancaster Golf Club, Aston Golf Centre doesn't take itself too seriously. It does look after it's grass though.

Meanwhile, down on the practice range, Stuart coaches Caolan, 7. Caolan takes his advice and lets one fly!

Stuart coaches Caolan, originally uploaded by Lancaster Today.

Connection, originally uploaded by Lancaster Today.

Golf ball flies, originally uploaded by Lancaster Today.

Lancaster Canal, USA

US First Lady on Lancaster Canal, originally uploaded by Lancaster Today.

It's a dark night on Lancaster Canal, and the area closest to the city centre is full of moored narrow boats. It's August and the 'boat people' are out in force, having travelled far and wide along the canal network. It seems some have even come from other continents.

... but for those of you who loathe squinting at dark photos, here's one I took over the weekend. This little blighter just stood there staring, hardly moving. It was amazing, I tell you! He was practically tame!

Hedgehog, originally uploaded by Lancaster Today.

Two good men

Near home, originally uploaded by Lancaster Today.

Near home 2, originally uploaded by Lancaster Today.

We cross paths regularly, so it was my pleasure to speak for the first time whilst walking with my family. A camera can be a useful icebreaker, and, as with every other member of the Lancaster community I've sought permission to photograph, they responded with gentle acceptance. My apologies to them and you for not including names or details - I didn't seek permission at the time.

Serdeczine dziekuje.

(p.s. apologies also for yesterday's missed post. Without full internet access until this evening).