The other day I fancied visiting the river again. I wanted to get out, but didn't fancy having to brave going where there are loads of holiday makers around, so another visit to the river was the answer.

So off I went, there was a lot of traffic about, so I do think my decision was the right one. Back down again to Lower Cleve, which is what the area is often called. When I got there I was so surprised at how far out the tide was.....

The tide was far out

There was hardly any water in the channel

In all the years I've been visiting this area, I honestly don't remember the tide being so low. Or should I say I don't remember seeing so much mud!!!!! I could see that the channel was filling up as the tide was coming in. It was so lovely sitting there - good for the soul....

No boats to watch sailing up and down, but there were some boats beached in the mud just waiting for the water to let them float again....

There was quite a lot of mud there

The channel is starting to fill up

Looking down channel with the birds walking around

Consquently there were birds exploring the mud for some tasty {to them!} worms etc for their meal......

Mud, mud, glorious mud

The gull was wandering around

The seagull was walking all over the mud

I did wonder what he was looking for

The blackbird was also roaming around and I was just waiting for the gulls to object

I stayed about an hour, realised that it was time to come home and prepare supper - so I came back home, but felt rested and chilled out!

The new bridge which is just next to where I go has wonderful views from up there...

The new bridge

and you can see where I love sitting to enjoy the river....

View from the bridge looking down to where I go

Lower Cleve is just behind the large tree in the middle.... see what I mean about it being hidden? Hopefully soon I'll venture further out but the amount of traffic and tourists is stopping me from wanting to go there!!!