Here the row continues along the River Thames in South Oxfordshire
This was still near enough to normal civilisation for elderly couples to be out walking along the banks.
If there were any footpaths on this stretch, they lay beneath the ripeness of, summer requiring negotiation, in the form of wild flowers attracting bees; grasses in seed; plantains tripping over; broad backlit leaves bearing shadows of other floral forms; and convovulous carrying tiny beetles.
One of the latter plants trailed over the river, reflecting on the murky water.
An avian trio perched on the coping stones of a derelict shed in need of replacement tiles;
a peacock and hen entered into head to head negotiations;
a mallard paddled along ahead of her imprinted offspring;
and a pair of swans introduced their cygnets to further reaches of the Thames.
A flock of sheep grazed alongside what I took to be farm buildings of some sort.
The sun-baked natural world disregarded the two young men taking a leisurely row along the sleepy waters, passing a dangerous-looking weir, and negotiating a narrow lock.
Breathtakingly pastoral. Sad to realize now that many of those elderly strollers might be some of us. 😉
Thanks very much, Pat. Quite so.
Don’t include me. I don’t look or feel at all elderly.
That’s why I said some of us and not all or most of us. Derrick probably has several readers below retirement age.
I’m sure he does
Such lovely pastoral scenes–and peacocks for a bit of exotic color. Your final comment is a beautiful summary, which makes me think you’re feeling at least a little bit better.
Thanks very much, Merril. In truth this trip is taken from earlier posts which requires less thought – but yes, slightly better today.
Even slightly is something. ?
Thanks again
I am enjoying this virtual trip along the canal. You saw and documented so many things along the way! That sprig of bindweed flower and its reflection is quite beautiful.
Thank you so much, Lavinia
I feel like I was along for the day. Thank you for the lovely storing telling, Derrick
Much appreciated, Alys
I’m surprised to see peacocks here. I didn’t imagine these birds inhabited these regions. Lovely photo-blog. Very informative about small details.
Thank you so much, Joycee
I am drawn to that derelict shed.
Yes. I’m pleased I featured it, then. Thanks very much, Andrew
Beautiful pastoral scenes Derrick.
Thank you very much, Cindy
Very bucolic
Thanks very much, Sheree
What a beautifully peaceful place. So English.
Thank you very much, John
your walk looks so inviting… waves from across the pond, where it is still snow and ice in part of the woodlands.
Thank you very much, Q
Lovely post, Derrick. Have you not been feeling well? If so, I hope you feel fit as a whole orchestra in no time!
Thank you so much, Luanne.
This adventure is described so beautifully, Derrick.
Thank you so much, Anne
Was that a pair of peacocks and not a peacock and a peahen? I thought the female was called peahen
You are right, Geetha. I will amend the text. Thanks very much
Welcome Derrick!
I enjoyed this pleasant stroll along the canal. The shed looks quite precarious. Do you have idea how old it might be? (Or have been?)
I’d guess at up to a couple of centuries, Liz. Thank you very much
I thought that might be the case. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a shed with a tile roof.
Oh, how lovely and peaceful! ‘Tis a joy to see all of the birds and the sheep! I especially love the “art” the sun and shadows created just for you to photograph! 🙂
Your descriptions are lyrical and beautiful! 🙂
That shed sure has some character. 🙂
Prayers and bestest wishes for you all to get completely well and healthy.
(((HUGS)))
Thank you so much, Carolyn XX
Fabulous photos add to the adventure, creating a contrast between nature and human endeavor.
Nicely observed, Dolly. Thank you very much
So much to see along the way. I love the yellow and blue wildflowers.
Thank you very much, JoAnna
And along they go, rowing in the summer. Beautiful!
Thank you so much, Laurie
So idyllic and tranquil. I always enjoy your photos Derrick!
Thank you very much, Diane – still Lucky, I see
I love this tale, and you tell it so well. It’s interesting that even back then you were interested in the wildlife, the people, the buildings and the plants, just as you are today.
That struck me, too, Jodie. Thank you very much X
xo
The journey depicted is like a pilgrimage. There are some excellent, innovative photographs captured during the trekking along side the canals.
Thank you very much, Uma
What an adventure it was!
Thank you so much, Ribana