Out 'torching' with the boys last night we manage to capture some pictures down by our nearby canal.

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I'd probably best explain first that torching is the boys' description of a nighttime walk with torches (not an inclination for setting light to things!) We like to encourage the boys to walk a little at night for the exercise, the beautiful scenery and sunsets (we were a little late with the camera, earlier the sky really was on fire) and hopefully to encourage them not to be scared of the dark.

I was also glad to see two swans have returned to last year's flattened nest. (I'm assuming it is the same couple that nested here on the canal last year.) I'd never seen a swan's nest before last year. The size of it is amazing. But I was a little worried about them last year, because the towpath is used by a lot of youngsters on their way to and from the town high school and one of the middle schools. Still, they survived unhurt, as did their beautiful brood of cygnets, so hopefully they will be roosting (if that's the right word) here again this year.

Needless to say, it is also highly inspirational stuff for a writer. Talking of which, I have been musing today about inspiration and my favourite places for reading over on the blog at Legend Press Legendary Authors...