Saturday, July 27, 2013

Weekend Reflections on the Ashton Canal

(Click on image for full size version)

This view is from bridge #29 of the Ashton Canal, a footbridge which links the towpath on the left to the Portland Basin Museum.

The canal basin is home to several families of Canada geese.

On the left is the packhorse bridge over the entrance to the Peak Forest Canal.

In the background is Junction Mill chimney. The octagonal chimney, 210 feet (64m) high with an unusual tulip-shaped top was built in 1867 to serve Samuel Heginbottom's cotton-spinning mill which operated from 1831 to 1930. The mill itself was eventually demolished and replaced in recent years with canalside apartments called "Boatmans Walk". In 2000 the chimney was bought by Tameside Council and restored.

In the right foreground is Lilith a restored wooden canal boat based at the Portland Basin.

I had just taken this photographer when I turned round to see what became an encounter with a squirrel which story I posted here last Sunday.

A contribution to Weekend Reflections and Scenic Weekends.

8 comments:

  1. Wonderful, watery reflections for the day, Gerald! I love the ducks!! Hope you have a great weekend! Enjoy!!

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  2. You seem to a lovely weather too in England, Gerald ! I like the composition of your picture, with this impressive chimney in the background.

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  3. A lovely variety of colourful reflections! Interesting photo.

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  4. A great photo and an interesting bit of history. Having an apartment on the canal would be very nice.

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  5. Love this Gerald! When we're in Florida (in the Winter) we live on a Canal, but it is so so narrow compared to this one. I wish ours was half this wide (then I wouldn't panic when we're trying to dock our boat!) It's a very beautiful spot that you show us, seriously. I wish I could visit it.

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  6. Lovely shot ~ love the ducks ~ thanks ^_^

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  7. A beautiful scene!
    Such an interesting bit of history, too.
    Lea
    Lea's Menagerie

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  8. You can come for a free trip on the boats. Just turn up at Portland Basin on the first Sunday of the month. Bring a packed lunch. Ring 07931 952 037 for more info,

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