We have had Calliope out of the water 3 times over the last year (simply for inspection and cleaning purposes) and thought that others might be interested in seeing where we did this. ON THE THAMES 1. The Grid, Strand on the Green, Chiswick – booked through Port of London Authority; arrive at highContinue reading “Calliope out of the water”
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Connor Coot
CHAPTER ONE “Oooh! What’s going on out there?” chirped Connor Coot, peeping out from under his mother. He was in the fluffy cosy nest his parents had made from soft dried grass, feathers and reeds. “It all looks SO exciting!” “Behave yourself Connor” Mother Coot said. “It’s best if you just sit still until yourContinue reading “Connor Coot”
Living aboard in Portsmouth Harbour – October
I can hardly believe that we have already been here for 4 weeks! In some ways it is strange to be here – the choppy sea instead of the calm river; the gulls and fish instead of the coots and herons; the warships, ferries and yachts instead of the narrow boats, barges and sculls. ButContinue reading “Living aboard in Portsmouth Harbour – October”
Calliope goes to sea
Our voyage from the Thames to Portsmouth Harbour [There are far too many good blogs about barges and their voyages for me to compete, so this is just a snippety illustrated version of our (very exciting for us) journey.] . September 22 : last night on the non-tidal Thames Our last night, forContinue reading “Calliope goes to sea”
Coot Scoop
Unique photos of newly hatched coot chicks at Shiplake Lock A serenely serendipitous situation; we had just tied up at the lay-by for Shiplake lock, and were obviously in for a bit of a wait, so catching sight of yet another pair of coots building a nest just a few yards from the lay-by I pickedContinue reading “Coot Scoop”
There once were some ugly ducklings ….
…. with feathers all stubby and brown But, and sorry to use such a trite word, they are so cute! They are amazingly fluffy with their baby down, not yet able to shed water as they will do from their future feathers. We have been lucky enough to see them at many stages of growth,Continue reading “There once were some ugly ducklings ….”
The Great Coot Exploration
My strategy for enjoying the Thames this summer did not include coots, but I have become ridiculously absorbed and fascinated by these cute feisty birds. It began a few months ago as I noticed them building their nests, working in pairs to make a safe haven for their eggs and their young. CapturingContinue reading “The Great Coot Exploration”
Calliope Moments from Oxford to Brentford and one point North
It began in a snowstorm in Biddulph – …. where we had our first night aboard and aground in our new home. Before too long Special Delivery provided a splashdown for Calliope at Reading and we took charge! Life at the Marina was crowded, but fun, with Spring sunshine making a reluctant appearance on daysContinue reading “Calliope Moments from Oxford to Brentford and one point North”
Eventide at Wargrave Marsh
Found an unexpected, calm, mooring last night – Wargrave Marsh. Calliope is not listing to starboard – but the photographer may be! We were joined, cross stream, by a hunting heron. As the sun set a bedazzled goose came hopefully by. And the light graded gently through rainbow gold …. to pastel pinks, greys and blues. AContinue reading “Eventide at Wargrave Marsh”
Fascinated by coots!
Below the bridge at Abingdon, almost against its wall, two coots have build their nest and three eggs have been laid within. They are good parents. Together they prepare a home for their young. I hope they hatch out before we leave Abingdon!
goodshipcalliope 