After last week’s contemplation I was immediately aware that the canal was not quiet and thoughtful today! The wind was blowing through the tress and bushes and I could hear them arguing which was worst affected! The large trees were indignant and proud, proclaiming their annoyance at being disturbed as they shook and rattled their leaves. Occasionally the wind whips up an argument, the branches wave madly and the sound of the indignation reverberates around the towpath and surrounding fields. The bushes respond with the flurry of wind through the undergrowth, claiming the chilling effect on their roots and tender stems. Not to be outdone the canal rippled and the scuttering of a duck across the surface seemed to underline the disruption. Under Bridge 45 the canal was slopping and popping as the water bumped into the stonework and slurped around in waves against the red bricks. A cyclist pinging a bell to warn of their approach as I turn the corner.

Wind blowing the leaves

Turning left down the path to the river two trains disturbed the relatively quiet narrow passage and I could hear birds tweeting erratically in the cutting. Reaching the river the roar of the weir was louder than usual, because of the extra water from the rain earlier and the frothing white spume of water sounded as if the weir was coughing. Waiting to cross the road to Victoria Park I waited for the noisy traffic to stop and for the Green Man to grant permission to cross with his piercing trill and then made my way into the park as another train hooted over the viaduct. People and dogs all wanting to make contact today, cheery greetings, chats about the weather, the wind and snatches of conversation from runners as they jogged past. A child on a bike with stabilisers, which incidentally he didn’t really need, shouting “ZOOM” excitedly as he freewheeled down the slope to the pedestrian subway under the road. He delightedly shouted to his mum, so he could hear the echoes as I overtook him. A strange squeaking caught my attention and then I realised it was a couple with a tiny fluffy dog encouraging it to jump up the steps to the bridge in the Pump Room gardens with a squeaky dog-toy!

Weir Froth!

I could hear a siren in the distance and the reality of the horror of Hurricane Irma in the Caribbean and the devastation the wind can cause came to mind and I fully appreciate how lucky we are to live in a temperate climate. My heart goes out to those affected by such a force of nature.

East Lodge was full of chatter and laughter this morning with visitors from all over expressing lots of interest in the exhibition. A member came in to put some business cards in the East Lodge holder and also requested his email address to be added as a link on the LSA website. This is a service we offer to all our members and please ask for the same service if you are interested. Meurig Hughes, an LSA volunteer is currently checking over the rack to make sure it is up to date. In fact if you come to the East Lodge coffee morning next week 20^th September you could bring some business cards and put them in the holder yourself, join in the stimulating conversation, drink coffee and eat cake!

Add your business card

I look forward to seeing you next week!

Karen