In search of the Hulks graveyard

Much better day for traveling and what an epic journey we did. All of 2 swing bridges and roughly three and half miles. We did stop at Purton just before the first of the swing bridges to try and find the Hulks. We knew that the skeletal remains of barges were somewhere along the estuary and in this vicinity. About 30 of them had been put there to create a makeshift tidal erosion barrier when the bank of the river collapsed in 1909. I found this exert on the web and if you would like to read more click here 

 The first barges were dumped on the bank in 1909 when it was realised that a new channel was developing near to the shore, and further craft were added at intervals up to the early 1970s. Each vessel was taken out of Sharpness Dock on a high spring tide, towed by a tug towards the shore and released so that it charged up the bank as far as possible. Then holes were knocked in the hull to allow subsequent tides to deposit silt inside.

 

Only visible at low tide one of the ships that blew up the Severn Railway bridge See the story here

On our way back to FS and having seen everyone else putting photos of this year cygnets on their posts (and me not having seen one) this lot were fast asleep by, what the locals call, the ponds. They even woke up and came towards us giving me my photo opportunity.

Proud parents of the new Cygnets

 
Remember my comment about the bollards on the towpath? A typical example of what I meant by the hazards to walkers and cyclist could be plainly seen. Now this is one big vessel and therefore the only way to secure the boat safely is by tying to these bollards. Can you imagine the size of pins he would need if those bollards weren't there! Maybe some sort of warning on the ropes to highlight the danger (especially at dusk) could have been put in place though.

 There was loads to see along the estuary in the way of wildlife so me being me, I'm gong to put a small selection on here.

Egret

Buzzard

Cormorant.

Shell duck

Blue tit

Very much looking forward to tomorrow. Ian ordered our entry tickets on line giving us a 10% discount on the price, (£11.40 normal price) which does seem a bit steep for a nature reserve but it  gives you access to the observation towers. We pulled into an almost empty mooring at midday and I'm so glad we did. Seems everyone has come out for a weekend jaunt as there is very little space left now. Our plan is to stay until Monday and I may even go twice to the reserve if I cant see it all in one day. As I said to Ian, it's only money after all. Hang the cost!