Yesterday we decided to walk at Westport Lake to blow away the cobwebs after having been indoors for a couple of days. The roads were clear but both the canal and the lakes were still icy.
It was cold, very cold but there were lots of people out and about. Dog walkers, a large walking group and quite a few photographers too.
When I saw the Moorhen walking on the ice I was reminded of one of my favourite paintings.
It's usually known as The Skating Minister. It depicts the Reverend Robert Walker skating on Duddingston Loch and is by Scottish artist Sir Henry Raeburn (1756-1823). I remember seeing it at the National Gallery of Scotland in Edinburgh many years ago. Here is a - link - to their website which tells you more about it.
It looks so cold and icy Rosie but I am glad you got out. I love the first photo of the canal - it is so atmospheric. I love the link you have made between the moorhen walking on ice and your favourite painting of the Skating Minister. It seems to have gone a little bit milder here today and the snow has more or less thawed now. It looks as though there is a lot of rainy weather on the way. Take care Rosie.
ReplyDeleteThank you Caroline. The canal boat in the first photo was the Oatcake boat - selling warm oatcakes and coffee. I've always liked that painting and the moorhen reminded me of it. Rain has washed away the remaining snow. I think it is an umbrella day today:)
DeleteWonderful images Rosie. I love the smoke coming out of the canal boats. So atmospheric:) B x
ReplyDeleteThank you B. I must admit that everywhere looked very good for photos with the ice and slight mist:)
DeleteRosie, what atmospheric photos of the cold, icy canal! it is always good to blow away the cobwebs xx
ReplyDeleteThank you Lyn, it was quite atmospheric out and about and so good to get out for a walk:)
DeleteWonderful photos of the frozen ground and the birds trying to navigate themselves across the ice.
ReplyDeleteI do like the similarities between the moorhen and the painting.
Hope this week is good to you, Rosie.
Thank you Beverley, it was probably the stark black of both the clothes and feathers but also the lifted leg and bleak surroundings. There were lots of water birds sitting or standing on the ice:)
DeleteBurrrrrr, it looks really cold, but you got some fantastic photo's. LOVE the skating minister. I've not seen that before. Stay warm and no falls on the ice.
ReplyDeleteThank you Sandy, it was cold but the temperature has risen over the last couple of days. It's the possibility of falls that concern me now I'm older:)
DeleteThat painting is perfect for the beautiful icy photos you took, I can just see him skating along the canal/lake hopefully avoiding any thawed bits! 😊
ReplyDeleteThank you CK, the minister looks a very accomplished skater on his frozen loch:)
DeleteSuch a lovely spot for a walk, but it does look cold. I liked your skater.
ReplyDeleteAmalia
xo
Thank you Amalia, it was very cold but good to get out in the fresh air:)
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