Went to check on the boat the other Saturday. It was a fine, bright day, with some sun-shine but a rather chilly breeze. We like to check the moorings, sweep the fallen leaves off the roof and decks, run the engine and fire up the heating etc. to try and beat off the winter dampness. There had been plenty of rain, so the bilges needed pumping. In fact the river sections of the Wey navigation were closed off due to strong currents, so when we decided to go for a little cruise there was only the short section between locks available.
Anyway, we had a nice little winter trip, with a lunch-stop at the one available stopping point. You notice how much more of the surrounding countryside can be seen without much foliage on the trees and bushes. What remained had that rather sad brownish-green look about it. But all was not gloom and doom. Surprisingly, at one point a red admiral butterfly alighted on a rope just beside the life-ring for a few minutes, almost perfectly matching it's bright orange colour. Should he/she have been about at that time of year? Then, back at the mooring, we noticed holly growing just alongside with a good array of red berries doing it's best to brighten the afternoon twilight.
Anyway, we had a nice little winter trip, with a lunch-stop at the one available stopping point. You notice how much more of the surrounding countryside can be seen without much foliage on the trees and bushes. What remained had that rather sad brownish-green look about it. But all was not gloom and doom. Surprisingly, at one point a red admiral butterfly alighted on a rope just beside the life-ring for a few minutes, almost perfectly matching it's bright orange colour. Should he/she have been about at that time of year? Then, back at the mooring, we noticed holly growing just alongside with a good array of red berries doing it's best to brighten the afternoon twilight.
It seemed a good portent for the imminent Christmas season.
We wish you a blessed one.
Holly pic:
