The UK's summer has been disappointing so far. The days are clammy, which makes July feel a lot like October. When the weather is like this, it's tempting for me to stay indoors, put the fire on, and snuggle up; however, I've resisted doing so because experience has taught me the importance of getting acclimatised to the weather by spending time in it.
So, to achieve that, I've been going for long walks along the canals at Foxton Locks, where I've been moored for the past 5 days, and yesterday I took some shots, especially for the #WednesdayWalkCommunity and initiative by @tattoodjay.
Once I'm active and dressed appropriately, my mind is free of worry, allowing me to fully appreciate nature, the shadows and reflections along the canals, and interact with strangers that I come across.
Still, there's something positive about this weather, as overcast days are perfect for capturing dramatic skies, and the cooler temperature allows me to go longer distances without feeling exhausted.
I love being in the open, away from the hustle and bustle of mainstream life. It's great, and I can enjoy casual strolls at a slow pace without rushing to the next agenda.
The silence was vibrant!
"Baaaaa," sounds like a flock of sheep echoed as I walked by the fields, and I saw these sheep eating grass as I peeked through the hedges.
A closer view One of the sheep stopped to notice me and then carried on eating.
These pretty pink flowers reassure me that yes, it's July.Foxton Locks is one of the most scenic views, with an impressive flight of locks. It attracts many visitors daily, as it's an easily accessible location in Market Harborough, UK, that's relatively close to Leicester City.
A boater descending down the flight of locks.The elevation of the land is a photographer's dream, as it's lovely to capture landscapes of rolling hills, plains, and valleys below.
There was so much beauty for me to snap away, and I kept smiling from the satisfying feeling of being able to freeze these scenes with photography.
Foxton Locks yields many acres, and here is where I have one of the most pleasurable walks in nature because I feel safe and secure on its immaculate yet wild grounds.
There's a Lock House at the top of the flight of locks; that's popular both in the winter and the summer, and I stopped for an ice cream.
Across this stream, this mother swan glided over to greet me with her cygnets in tow, and they remained static for a moment before deepening their bills in the water.
This heron perched down and rested for a while before taking off in flight.
Boaters go by with friendly waves, knowing that we're a small but big community.
I got to chat with a couple as they came off their boat. I didn't recognise their accents immediately, but it turned out that they were from Los Angeles and were holidaying on a rental narrowboat.
They said they learned about the UK canals from watching a video on YouTube, and they decided to spend their holidays on one.
I was impressed because it's encouraging to see tourists appreciating this rich, unique concept of canal life that exists here in the UK, and in the breathtaking English countryside.
My walk took me to some secluded spots off-the-beaten-track.
Saying that roads less travelled, figuratively, always lead to great discoveries, whether it be stunning beauty, epiphany moments, like-minded individuals, or even someone who might be wacky but interesting.
Still, I was completely mesmerised by the picturesque scenery.
There's something special about walking back along the canals and viewing my water home in the distance between all this greenery and wildlife.
It makes me want to skip and play.
... back to Cygnet, my narrowboat.
What rocks my boat
My blog frequently features my minimalist lifestyle and adventures while living on my narrowboat.”
Irie love,
Milly
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Beautiful sceneries and a happy you. I love the cool weather for the exact same thing- I don't get tired easily. Thanks for sharing this lovely experience, I felt like I walked alongside you with the bleating sheep and the cool vicinity.
Thanks for your lovely comment😊
I'm pleased that you enjoyed the scenes as mich as I did:)))
Our weather has been crap here as well. So rainy and humid that it feels like a rainforest and like my house is going to spring mold on the outside. Lots of floods in the region too.
Great scenery on this leg of you journey. Love the UK fields.
I love spotting Herons. They are my favorite bird to see in nature. So majestic and almost dinosaur like. Looks like a great blue heron you saw.
Yeah, it's some strange weather and I get what you mean about the mold. I had my fire on 2 nights again and it was mainly because of the damp air that I didn't like.
This area is indeed stunning and, amazingly, I can moor here for 14 days at no charge. We'll be going down the flight of locks in a couple of days, but there have not been many boats this year at all.
The heron was blue and I only got a mobile shot of it and it flew away while I was turning on my camera. I think there are many of them in this region because that's the third one that has landed next to the boat. Yeah, hubby says the same thing about them being like dinosaurs :)))
Beautiful walk I love the reflections you captured in the canals. Walking along benefits us so well. I like the wonderful landscape you seen along with the many other things like the waterfowl. All we need is a little energy and will power and nature will do the rest 😊
Hey! Thank you 😊
Yes, I feel so much better for the walks as it's helping to strengthen my cardio.
I've encountered so many friendly and wonderful people on my walks, that I'll miss them here when we move in a few days' time.
Nature is indeed so powerful:)))
The seasons or should I say weather is gradually changing globally and we just have to adjust with it.
I could imagine myself strolling with you just from the pictures/description you gave about Foxton Locks. If I could feel the cooling effect of the scenery virtually, I wonder how it would feel like in reality.
That looks like the end of the canal to me or am I missing something else?
I enjoyed walking with you and thanks for all the amazing shots... Happy Wednesday.
100%
No, there's a flight of 10 locks in succession that you have to either ascend or descend to go through this region. I'll be going down the flight in a couple of days.
I'm happy that you enjoyed this, and I think you'd be amazed at how beautiful it is.
I have been exploring the neighbouring villages, which are quaint and affluent, and you'd also be surprised at how quiet and peaceful the area is, and how friendly and polite people are. It's a civilised feeling of people being friendly, happy and smiling:)))
You are actually having so much fun and I agree that the world is a beautiful place to explore.
I wouldn't miss the post about the flight of 10 locks, I want to know what it actually looks (experience) like.
I hope that hubby will take photos while we're descending the locks. I'll try to take some too, but I'll be operating the locks, and it's a flight of about 10 locks, with lots of spectators (gongoozlers).
Especially now that schools are out, there are usually lots of families with kids who like to help open the gates, so I have to be vigilant when operating them. 🤞
Good morning dear friend @millycf1976 I am very sorry that the days of July are disappointing, and it is worth staying home in the warmth of home
It's good that despite the weather you gathered the necessary strength and went out for a walk and enjoyed the nature that surrounds you, this place is really beautiful
Thank you very much for sharing this experience and the beautiful photographs.
have a nice day
Hello @jlufer, Today is warmer with sunshine, but rain clouds are looming. Still, it's fun being outside and the nature is irresistible.
I'm pleased that you enjoyed this.
Have a lovely day:)))
Urgh, nothing worse than clammy summer. That place looks gorgeous, though, and maybe more suited for a chillier trek? I hope you skipped and played. :)
Yes, if you're ever on the canals and in the east midlands, you'd have to visit Foxton Locks. I first came here 16 years ago on a day trip and I find it more beautiful every time I return.
Yes, I've been glad for the cooler temperatures, although twice I got drenched.
I'm gonna go for a walk shortly, and yes, I'll be like a little kid on the canals 😁
What a treasure, to have a place you can return to and not have it lose value or lessen in your eyes <3 Enjoy being a little kid!
🙏🤗
The locals are super friendly too. Foxton Village is quaint in an idyllic location. There's a small bus service that runs to the nearest town every 2 hours and ends at 6 pm, and there's no service on Sundays.
There are two pubs at Foxton Locks and two other village pubs 10 minutes walk along the canal. The food at the village pubs is amazing and surprisingly cheap, and the staff are friendly and engaging:)))
Thank you so much for your support:)))
Very picturesque. I thought the UK was experiencing a heatwave of sorts though?
Yes, the beauty is undeniable. No, there's no heatwave here at all. I keep seeing news lying about that.
Yesterday was all-day rain with chilly temperatures, and today it's warm, and the sun came out, but the air is so muggy.
Beautiful landscapes, bird watching, there is a heron! hehehe.... Swans fascinate me and that one with his family is very cool.
Your sailing fellows have bicycles! I see it as a sign. Now I'm going to look for an attachment I need to record my rides. See you around.
Haha! It's funny that you noticed the bicycle. Yes, a lot of boaters have bikes so they can easily go supermarket shopping along the towpaths.
i think there are many herons in this region because I've seen 3 so far:)))
😁 No. I find it strange that I noticed that. Hahaha...
Btw, I've been showing bike routes around the city. 😛
Oh, so you're like a bike tour guide? That's a pretty cool job 🙌
No hahaha... but remember I told you I would film in the city?
Ah, yeah! I remember.
That's great too.
There is so much to photograph in Havana.
Wao, love places, with good pictures. It's good to explore something 😁. Hope you enjoyed yourself.
😊 Thank you very much:)))
You are welcome
This is a best walk for you. The weather is not so hot and you can walk for a little longer. The greeneries around and the peace it gives to our inner self is priceless.
You're spot on there!😊
Thanks for stopping by:)))
You're always welcome. It's nice to see your post about how wonderful this place is.
Thank you too 😊
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Now I miss that weather, we had a weather like this since two weeks ago now it's super warm 🥵
Oh, I wish we could swap the weather😁
Thanks for stopping by:)
It must be an enjoyable walk across the stream and fields.
Yes, it is, indeed:)
Nice👍
Cheers👍