This was a second visit by the Group.

Again, there were eight members but this time the weather was very different from the dry autumn day when we were herebefore. Then, the colours were warmer and muted and the sky was blue – this time the trees and banks were green and lush with white cow parsley and yellow irises but the sky was grey.

We enjoyed coffee and biscuits in Polwarth Church Hall as before, joining the “All Aboard”
behind the church.

This time a two hour trip had been arranged and first we sailed west as far as the Slateford Aqueduct. Returning, we passed Polwarth again and continued east into the city, turning at Fountainbridge, where the canal ends. On the way we passed blocks of old grey tenements
on either side of the water with walkers, runners and cyclists making use of the towpath, together with a man and his son who were “magnet fishing”. There were several houseboats moored at Fountainbridge and the old brewery, which for many years gave this part of Edinburgh its distinctive smell, has been replaced by a colourful block of flats.
The volunteers on the boat were very friendly and skillful in manoeuvring the boat and in
serving us tea and coffee and biscuits. We were able to be outside for a good bit of the
journey, as the rain was sporadic and we could quickly go back into the warm dry cabin
with its big windows.
On the return bus journey into town, one of the bus stops was marked Fountainbridge -
perhaps we’ll think differently about this busy area now we know the peaceful canal is not
far away.