Bring Me Sunshine

At six a.m. we were out pointing the solar panels at the sun, yes you read it right " the sun " we have been promised a sunny day, all day, well we couldn't trust the all day bit, so we were topping the charge while we could.
We were awake early, in part due to the bird song, we are only a few feet away from a substantial hedge, and it is alive with happy birds, they too have been waiting for a little sunshine. on the far bank we have a family of swans, they were also up early, lying in bed we are on the water line, and we could hear them swimming,the sound of their feet pushing under the water.

Mum ( we think ) brings her young over to see us.

Three of the cygnets now near the side hatch, the fourth is right under the camera.

Here, Mum (or is it Dad?) takes some food, the heads coming into the boat drives the dogs crazy.

And away to the far bank and their nest site.

View From The Side Hatch.

To the stern.

And to the bow. 

There has been a steady stream of boats going by today - most of them heading towards Stoke where there is a festival this weekend at Eturia. Punctuated throughout the year there are lots of waterways festivals celebrating the history and heritage of the canals and rivers, it looks as though this weekend will have the benefit of decent weather.

Eturia was the name chosen by Josiah Wedgwood for the house and factory he built in 1766, it was apparently suggested by his friend Dr Erasmus Darwin. Despite the recession and decline in English manufactured goods there seems to be efforts being made to renew and restore parts of this interesting area.

Not often known for our festival going tendencies (never say never.....) we are happy to spend a few days in Stone. Ali has a trip to the dentist planned so we will stay put until after then.

Bye for now

Ali and Baz