Canoe with a View : : Canadian Open Canoe forum

One of my favourite spots for a bimble about on the water is the Coquet Estuary up on the Northumberland coast. The great thing about it is that you can vary the trip depending on how you feel. You can head out towards the open sea before beating a retreat to the adjacent salt marsh. Or you can head inland and enjoy a lovely river with a wonderful castle to boot. It also happens to be a great spot for bird watching.

Today I decided to head across the estuary to explore the skeleton like remains of the various wrecks grounded on the mud flats.



I've never managed to find out anything about the wrecks here. I think they are just the rotting remains of old working boats.



As the tide comes in they become gradually submerged but in the mean time are a great spot to anchor to and marvel at the seabirds all around you.



At this time of year a great sight are the terns which swirl about before plunging into the water for the small fish and sand eels coming in with the tide.



If I've got my ID's right this one's a Common Tern



and this one a Sandwich Tern.



Even the Heron were to busy fishing to worry to much about me.



The birdwatching sight of the day was this



Thankfully I had my binoculars with me and was able to confirm it as a Little Egret. Pretty scarce in this neck of the woods and a first for me. Pure white, as you can see, and much like a Heron but about two thirds the size.

With the tide well on the flood it was time to head up river and lunch up at Warkworth below the castle.



In no time you have gone from an estuary with fishing boats and sand dunes to the calm of a meandering river.



It's hard to escape the castle which dominates most views.



I don't think the rowing boat concession here can make much money as they always seem to be tied up when I pass. They make a nice picture though.



Having timed it to return on the ebb tide I was soon heading back down river and passing one of my favourite houses.



But not before having to paddle the gauntlet of 30+ swans who gave me very suspicious looks



All told a great day out. Now if there had only been an ice cream van back at the car park it would have been perfect.

Looks like a great day out, certainly beats my day working in the shop and then doing the supermarket shopping

Still reading your tale has revived me

Thanks

Nice Blog Aslan, loved the Terns and the Egret.

Looks like it could be worth you organising a weekend sometime...we could always wild camp in the castle grounds....

Cheers
Nix.

Excellent Alan. Great bird photies. A varied and interesting paddle. Certainly looks like you had the weather for it. Great to see you back in the domain we've become so accustomed to.

Excellent photos as per Aslan.

TGB

Photographic prowess as to be expected once again.
Thanks Aslan for sharing