Tag Archives: Kennet and Avon Canal

International Space Station and Startrails over Aldermaston Wharf

The last pass of the International Space Station over the UK in 2015, on Christmas Eve (click on the picture for the full size):

It was a low pass (as you can see) and not as bright as previously, also it wasn’t as dark as I had hoped. Still, fairly happy with the picture (which is a composite of over 100 pictures). Oh, and the thick stripes are clouds.

Green Woodpecker

Went for a walk along the Kennet and Avon Canal near Theale today, between the canal and the sailing lake. Didn’t see an awful lot, the undisputed highlight was this Green Woodpecker briefly sitting on a branch in the open:

The light wasn’t great and I didn’t have enough time to put the camera on the monopod, but considering the circumstances I’m still fairly happy with the pictures.

Monkey Marsh turf-sided lock

During a short walk along the Kennet and Avon Canal in Thatcham (where I also took the pictures of the tree in the evening light) I also passed a quite interesting lock. It is one of only two of this kind remaining, a turf-sided lock. It’s called Monkey Marsh Lock. Here are a few pictures of it in the September evening sun:

Most of the locks on the canal have been replaced with stone or brick sided locks, like the one I live close to.