A pictorial post of Barry's journey from Stourport to Etruria ~ Barry & Sandra's Adventures

I may be confusing some people by going back in time a few weeks, but I believe you’ll understand why it’s worth the wait.

I’m also, of course, rather biased in my opinions! I love Barry’s photos. I fondly recall my first visit to Gisborne, from 2001 to 2002. I used to love looking at the images on display at his photography studio on Gladstone Road, Gisborne. I had no idea, at that time, who’d taken them, or that one day he’d become my best friend and husband.

Barry’s a little busy (hurrah!) at the moment running his business The Home Brew Boat, but he’s also managing to begin to focus on photography once more which pleases me a lot. He has such an amazing talent. Finding this passion again is wonderful to witness.

Check these out – there won’t be a lot of labels or commentary, the pictures are perfectly able to do most of the talking …

Stourport Basin

The Helter Skelter at the charming fun-fair by the River Severn

Up the Stourport lock

Doing it single-handed again for a few days

Doing it single-handed again for a while – until he meets his voluntary helper

Watching the wildlife on the way – time to stop and stare

Barry’s idea of heaven – a real ale pub – and no TV or music

One of Barry's favourite backgrounds, the church in Kidderminster

One of Barry’s favourite backgrounds, St George’s Parish Church in Kidderminster

Jovial Jim, previously from Nb Starcross, who met Barry and stayed a couple of nights to help with locking – thank you again Jim

Another take on the church

Happy at the tiller

You don’t see blue lock paddles very often

Reflecting on the journey – such peace and solitude – magnificent

Catching a heron in flight

A quintessential canal image – narrowboats and a country pub – The Cross Keys

Barry has a penchant for swans – they even kiss his feet!

I’m outta here …

All set up for the Middlewich FAB festival

All set up to convince punters of the merits of brewing your own at the Etruria festival

Etruria Junction – a bit of a bottle neck at times

Serenity in the evening light

I think Barry’s found another passion – for herons – such grace and style

I’m off …

Our new friends Sue and Dave from The Spud Boat

Lovely people

How cute is this little chap/chapess?

A puddle duck I believe, having a ponder

A moorhen chick checking something interesting out

A gaggle of goslings – is that the correct term?

I adore this image! The historic Working Boat Maria glided slowly past, being punted. It’s a horse drawn boat, but they couldn’t use the horse on this stretch due to the moored boats

There’ll more magnificent shots in the near future, of our travels from Etruria to Middlewich, and then on to Manchester where we’re currently moored until tomorrow.

Watch this space!