Drizzle

Trimmed Branches

Will you look at us by the river!

I first read this novel living where it's set in Perth in the nineties. It needed to be revisited and rewarded me well.

Unlike today's walk, for which there were few rewards. I went alone after my companions forgot to turn up. It wasn't too dreary but not a great walk either. It was just another 5 km along the Grand Union Canal and Colne River in the drizzle enveloped by the constant traffic hum from the M40. Neither rain nor noise seemed to affect the already paired coots, mute swans, mallard and canada geese that sailed past, the only things moving on the canal today. Long tailed tits, ring-necked parakeets and woodquest pigeon each broke cover in different ways. The winter flocked tits flitted from tree to tree, tinkling, hopeful to not disturb the watchful predators. The gangs of green parakeets screeched their uncouth challenges in groups of eight or more. The solitary pigeon crashed into trees and clapped on take-off as if in refined defiance.

It was muddy and wet and there were very few others about.