Nightime at the Rowbarge, Woolhampton.

The Rowbarge, Woolhampton. Canalside Pub.

Day two, and I am spoilt for choice. With a frosty start to the day, the first shot was a close-up of the ice on the car windscreen. But, today we were cruising. There was hardly a cloud in the sky. Conditions were perfect.

We arrived at a place called “Woolhampton” – almost halfway between Newbury and Reading, where we moored up for the night. This is a favourite location. The village may be small, but there is plenty to photograph.

Most picturesque, arguably, is the Rowbarge, Woolhampton. Located just off the main A4, by the canal swingbridge, it is just past the railway station – another favourite location for photographs. The station is actually called “Midgham”, after the village a mile or so further west. Apparently, it was renamed to avoid confusion with Wolverhampton!

Once we had finished mooring up for the night, we were just in the “blue hour” – the perfect excuse to go out armed with camera and tripod. I have taken night shots here in the past, but not in such wonderful conditions. Today’s photograph is especially pleasing with the crescent moon accompanied by the bright star below. No doubt someone will be able to identify it.

Photograph Details

• Taken: 2 Jan 2017
• Camera: Canon 5D MkIII
• Lens: Canon EF 24-70mm 1:2.8 L II USM
• Focal Length 33mm
• F/7.1
• 10 Sec
• ISO 200