Many of my walks take me along the canal towpath, at least for part of the route. It's easy walking, and pleasant. Even the same scene never looks identical twice. The surrounding foliage changes with the seasons and the sun comes and goes. These two photos, of the towpath bridge on the approach to Dowley Gap locks, were taken last week, in the same week but in different weather conditions. I liked the first one, but it's amazing how a bit of blue (below) makes the autumn colours sparkle.
The bridge was constructed to allow the barge-towing horses to change sides, where the towpath moves from one bank to the other.
When the steamers were introduced they often towed a dumb boat. The heavy traffic led to queuing at the locks. To avoid this some "Moonlight Willies" worked their boats at night. In the gloom the steerer could line up the stove chimney with the white paint mark you see indicating the centre of the bridge arch. The 3-crewed single high value "fly" boats worked around the clock.
ReplyDeleteWhat a pretty bridge!
ReplyDeleteJenny, I just had to stop by.
ReplyDeleteWhat fabulous photographs, oh ... I would love a walk along the tow path!
All the best Jan
It is hard to choose, Jenny!
ReplyDeleteIt is such a lovely scene, with that wonderful reflection of a rustic bridge.
ReplyDelete