Yesterday (8th Jan)  I started walking, as often, along side of the river Itchen, and soon continued on the "Itchen way": the old canal rout from Southampton to Eastleigh. I feel as if a friend to it, some times, for instance, reporting blocks in its path. On this occasion a large tree had fallen across, but it was easy to crawl underneath its upward curve. Unusually, I encountered four other people: a couple walked past looking firmly ahead - but the others had a chat. 
I arrived in Eastleigh as the sun was descending in a rich orange light: a very satisfying afternoon!