Horses on the banks of the River Severn

Helena organised a boat trip today for the Learners' Circle associated with the local WEA. We had to drive to the village of Upton on Severn, some miles north of Tewkesbury, where we could board the river cruiser with a range of other groups.  The rain which held off all morning set in for the start of the trip but gradually eased and by the time the boat turned round after an hour for the return journey the day brightened somewhat.

It wasn't a great day for photography but I still had a good time standing near the prow as we headed up stream against the quite fast flowing river. Helena's blip shows the scene as we returned to the berth in Upton, so I won't show any river pictures.  But I did see an unusual bird a little larger than a dipper, which I couldn't identify, as well as herons, cormorants, ducks and ducklings, swallows and swifts.  But most pleasing was the brief sight of a pair of kingfishers perched on a branch just above the water level on the bank. Unfortunately I didn't have a long zoom attached at that time so my images were small and rather mottled, but I have added one as an 'Extra photo'.

One both legs of the trip we saw some horses which obviously roam along the extensive banks and they even cantered together. At one point there were about eight varied horses breeds all playing together. I liked this proud grey horse, under a rather glowering sky, leading his friends along the top of the river bank, which is raised up to provide very necessary flood protection.