Devils Garden mooring....sinister or not.

Sunday 8th

Last night the peace and quiet was second to none.  We did have a torrential downpour around tea time and I did wonder if the predicted thunder storms would arrive later, but they didn't and this morning we awoke to a fine mist over the river, quite magical. No rush to go anywhere today so it was a late getaway.

 The warmth of the sun made for a pleasant cruise  and suddenly we spied to our right, travelling in the same direction as us, a narrowboat. Not on the Weaver but on the T&M. Never realised how close the river and canal actually was.

Thats the T&M

 Dutton lock (L) just round the bend with the weir on the right

Dutton Lock

This was a hotel boat! Sunk on it's moorings years ago.

 Ian phoned the lock keeper at Dutton lock, a lady who has been in the job for over 30 years. We had just past Acton Moorings and she asked if we could poodle as the lock needed filling. Having almost arrived, a phone call from the lock keeper saying a boat was on the approach below lock and didn't want to turn the lock around, so could we wait. (Not much else to do other than wait!) Nothing for it but stop on the landing but did give me an opportunity to take a photo.

Looks so small in this big lock

 Then it was our turn and chains with rings were used to pass our ropes through. I asked her about  the centre gates in big lock and she explained they would have been used in days gone by if drought conditions arose but these days the gates have no means of being closed. If a drought did occur then locking restrictions would have to be put in place.

 She also told us that the place to moor was the Devils Garden. On the Pickering Cut, just a continuation of the river. Sounds a bit sinister doesn't it but a more idyllic spot one couldn't wish for. Seems like a favourite spot for hikers, swimmers and just chilling out by the locals.

He got out rather sharpish. It was VERY cold

 Cant say I blame them for this place was more like paradise then the devils work. By 6pm we were alone. All the moored boats had gone and we were left to our own devices. Out came the table and chairs and we agreed it was definitely Pimms O'Clock. This is the life, cant ask for anything better.

And the sunset

And today's wildlife,

Plenty of Grebes nesting.

 I didn't know Herons caught fish like this.

It's got the fish

Female duck being pursued by a Mandarin male

Oyster Catcher

And some bugs

This looks like the same wasp like critter I photographed yesterday and thought it was a Hornet. Not sure now because this was the size of a wasp.

And a macro shot of a Butterflies mouth parts. Proboscis, Labial Pulp and Compound eye