Just got back from a walk to the village and came back down the towpath.  It was quite icy in parts, but I have claimed a pair of fur lined boots that were bought for use in Russia by hubby, so really warm and great with their grip. 

There was a slight gap in the ice by the bridge in the village and a solitary swan floating around, not that there was a great deal of room for moving about.  So seeing us passing and probably with the hope of some food, he decided to climb out of the water and walk across the ice.  He then posed for photos, but stood too long an plopped back in.  Then tried again.

Further along there was another gap which was full of ducks,  never seen so many in one spot before.  They then all decided to climb out and came charging across the ice towards us.   Hopefully someone from the houses will go out and feed them soon. 

The funniest (well to me) though was a bit further and there were 3 moorhens on the towpath, and seeing us coming decided to run away, unlike the Swan and ducks.  Now always think the moorhens are funny running on land normally, but when they run across the ice it really brings a smile.  Certainly a case of slip sliding along,  often falling into a sitting position.

One thing I did forget on my last post was that last Sunday when the canal first frooze over the fishermen arrived and promptly were making holes in the ice so that they could still fish.  Not sure though if that is dedication or supidity.