Local Walking - Canal Path Nature

As promised here is the second installment from my mist covered walk down the canal path a while back.

Isn't it amazing how mist covering even the most familiar of paths changes things, makes the walking experience totally different, like by stepping through the misty veil you might discover a whole new world, just like Alice falling down the rabbit hole.

You might remember these trees. I think they are handsome whether covered in snow, mist or sunshine.

No matter what the season or weather tree gazing is one of my favourite things to do while out walking. I often have to remind myself to keep putting one foot in front of the other else I'd end up standing still for hours mesmerised but the web of branches, leaves and patterns of light.

The path can get busy at the weekend on a sunny day but if you go at this time of year you will most likely have it to yourself for the most part. This dog walker was the only other person I saw on my walk. I managed to give the poor fellow a near heart attack though. I was kind of perched in a tree trying to photograph a wonderful cluster of mushrooms and he didn't see me until I stepped out and gave him an unintentional fright.

My mushroom photos sadly didn't turn out great, it was difficult to get an angle on them which didn't include a bright sky behind which washed them out a bit. But I'm not too disappointed, part of the fun of photography is trying to learn from things that don't quite work and to try and improve next time, we can't all be great at everything we try :) I do like this shot of some freshly felled tree trunks though. I'm wondering whether it would be nice in black and white too - I really must take the time to learn some basic photoshop skills!

I'm pretty sure I've told you about the fat squirrels that live down this path, stealing food from the bird feeders that have been put up. This fellow made me smile hiding in the branches thinking I couldn't see him. He kept one eye on me all the time making sure I behaved myself.

While the first squirrel had me smiling this squirrel butt had me laughing out loud. I had a little peek in the tree trunk after he'd disappeared and he had a whole stash of nuts and seeds in the hollow, if he's not careful his bum might get too big to fit in the hole!

I spent ages trying to get some good bird shots too but again failed miserably. In particular I wanted to try and get a shot of a gorgeous little nuthatch which was hopping round the feeders but the one time he stayed in place for a while I was so zoomed in on my camera I couldn't find him on the viewfinder and by the time I zoomed out and in again he'd gone :(

I gave up on the bird shots and carried on my walk, the path was just looking so beautiful shrouded in mist. I like how the trees are ghostly in background of this one and the reflection of the gate in the water.

Some bits of the water had frozen over trapping vegetation beneath and creating wonderful surface patterns. I love the perfect circle in the corner of this picture.

I'll finish with a few more random shots from the walk, I could go on forever it really was a beautiful day but I'm sure you've had enough of my rambling for today.