Imbolc on the Prees Branch

Between Blakemere and the Prees Branch where we intended to stay, lay Colemere; another beautiful lake. With quite a long cruise ahead, Will left Vicky in bed and single handed to near Colemere. We had breakfast then took the dogs all the way round the lake, through woods and over marshland. The paths and boardwalk were well maintained and we met a good number of friendly dog walkers on our circuit. The small boat club at the head of the mere reminded us fondly of the one we used to belong to that sailed on Netherton Reservoir.

After a little rest we cruised all the way to the Prees Branch, close to Whixhall Moss. It had been frozen over when we'd passed it in the opposite direction. It was fully accessible now, although the towpath was slick with mud. Vicky walked up with Tiger and Leo to open the two lift bridges and Will turned in Whixhall Marina at the end of the branch, mooring between bridges one and two, opposite a field of four horses for Vicky's viewing delight 😉

That evening we were treated to a beautiful sunset. The days had begun stretching out once again and today was Imbolc; the midway point between the winter solstice and spring equinox.

Two days of strong gales and one of heavy rain followed. Thankfully there was a nice dog walk along the country lanes whose thick, high sided hedges sheltered us somewhat from the winds. We ventured out without the dogs to visit the bird hide we'd enjoyed so much before. Frustratingly the footpath across the fields was made all but impassable by one farmer who had removed the style and whose field was a mudbath. Fresh earth had been dumped in huge piles and Vicky sunk in up to her knee, having to crawl out. The farmyard itself was ankle deep in s**t and dirty water and we both emerged stinking and filthy.

The smell followed us into the hide so we were glad to be the only ones in there. The birds, it seemed, had had more sense and hunkered down to wait out the bad weather. A small flock of Teal flew in to save the day and after a while watching these we made our soggy way back to the boat via the lanes. Our spirits were lifted when we spotted our first two lambs of the year gamboling and suckling!Leggi altro