The canal, the river and Hockney.

River Aire 12

This is the River Aire at Hirst Woods, just past the the Boat House for Bradford Amateur Rowing Club. As we walked past they were just preparing this skull for the water so we waited to see them putting it to use. This short stretch of the river is ideal for practice as it is always calm. In the far distance is a weir where  the river drops down to Roberts Park in Saltaire.

Chris and I followed a circular route this afternoon that the ladies often do in a morning which follows the Leeds Liverpool canal to Saltaire  and returns through Roberts Park alongside the River Aire.
At the end of this stretch the river passes under the canal and  where we are standing is just yards from the canal which runs parallel at a higher level.

The Aire and the L/L canal are often very close together especially through the Aire gap in Craven.

We didn't come straight back today we went into Salts Mill to take a look at the Hockney display 'Arrival of Spring'. Not sure how long it is here for but last time when we cam specially we came on the wrong day. It's not in the 1853 gallery but upstairs which is only open Wednesday to Sunday.

I enjoyed the art work. They are iPad drawings of Woldgate in the Yorkshire Wolds. Chris thought they were a bit bright in places but I am amazed at the skill in this technique. I'm sure you'd love to see them NannaK!

Of course we had to pop into Salts Diner for tea and cake! We then walked back along the river as seen here. A lovely walk enhanced by watching barges going up the locks at Dowley
Gap. Ducklings and goslings of differing sizes, a Heron, a Grey Wagtail ( learned that one last week) and bluebells, wild garlic and the first Cow Parsley I have seen this year. These two young ladies sculling were a bonus.

My extra is a view of the Hockney prints. I chose this one as it shows the reflection of the mill windows. I love Saltaire!

For anyone interested I have put more of the river, canal and Hockney on Flickr.