Garstang Canal

 SLOW MOLLUSCS

Slugs & Snails.  Anthony, Mike, Danny, John.

Well, we've seen this "person" before. "Ginny Greenteeth". Duckweed covering the canal brought on by the hot sunshine making the water warm for the plants and the slow pace of the water allowing it to grow so rapidly. 

Only a short blog this week but then it was only short walk. 

We were amazed by the speed of the slugs and snails which passed us by as we walked

We parked in "Pasture Drive" just off "Dimples Lane" Near the Garstang "Leonard Cheshire home. Barely a hundred yards from a very "humped"canal bridge.

We crossed OVER the Bridge and dropped down to the canal and followed it UNDER  the bridge.

Although the sun was shining the day was so far comfortably bearable.

Although the canal was by no means busy we were soon passed by the first narrow boat of the day. 

Although the word"Pace" was by no means redundant it did not trouble the vocal chords very much as ambled slowly along the Towpath stopping frequently to watch the wild life and to chat and laugh.

There were numerous Dragon flies of many hues. Mostly GINGER/BROWN. I Cant recall a single Damsel fly.

By now the strength of the sun was beginning to warn us of the future heat. A handy pinic bench invited us to stop awhile and take some water aboard. A readily accepted  invitation.

There was a smallbronze statue on the far bank . No idea what it was or why it was there.

If you look carefully you will see a Moorhen/Waterhen leading her fluffy black chicks through the weeds and reeds at the side of the canal

The chicks are hard to spot. Look for little balls of black fluff.

We eventually arrived at the bridge high over the River Wyre. It was built over 200 years ago and still looks good. Designed by the famous John Rennie and standing  34 feet above the river below.

 

Peering over the bridge we could cleary see lots of trout lazily keeping a steady position in the brown, peat stained water.

Here the River Wyre flows gently through the tree bedecked fields and farms . Debouching into Morecambe bay between Fleetwood and Knott End

This gentleman was neatly packing his belongings into his longboat before having it lifted out of the canal and taken to the Leeds-Liverpool canal on the other side of the Ribble. 

He told us he had spent the last eleven months exploring the Lancaster Canal and it's surrounds.

Soon after we arrived at the Olde Tythe Barn area (What NO photos !) where we climbed up from the canal to enter Garstang.

A few minutes walk took us to Booths and our lunch destination. A group of "Chuggers" were rattling buckets as one of their number sang DOLLY PARTON  songs.

"Chuggers" (Charity Muggers)  = a light hearted nickname for charity workes with buckets wanting donations.

Lunchtime in the large Booths cafe.

Then back to the car and home.

The paucity of photos in this blog I shall blame on the strength and will sapping nature of the days tropical nature.

See you soon.

In cooler times we hope

THE END

JW

Cleveleys

HOT, HOT, HOT, HOT, HOT, HOTTEST   3.6 long hot miles

THE HEAT RESISTERS :- (The Foolish ?)  John, Mike, Danny.

The Newspapers and Television were full of warnings about the intense heat the day would bring. "Don't do this, Don't do that. Especially - Don't go out in it..........................  WE DID ! ( 35 degrees ?)

After much debate we decided to risk it and start early (8am ) and be prepared to abandon our walk if it became unacceptable. 

So off we went to Cleveleys.

And here we are parked up at the Rossal end of the prom. ready to set off. The sky is already clear blue with the hot sun beating down.

At the place where we played in the sand with our children many years ago. The sand has gone to be replaced by stones and pebbles. .... but read on.

Down at the waters edge just were the sand is peeping out was a "Beach Tent". Mike was astounded..... "Never seen a tent on the beach before".  Eh...and him fromBlackpool.

There are apparently FIVE artworks along this stretch of the coast here is the first we came across, a GIANT paddle/Spoon.

Here we are at the end of the Cleveleys High Street. Marked by a circular space (with steps) on the newly refurbished prom. Gradually the sand had  reappeared to occupy the beaches between the groins. they looked wonderful

Also marked by the gracefully emotive sculpture.

We stopped at a coffee shop (cafe) part way down the high street were a seemingly rather grumpy waitress took our order and brought us some excellent coffees.

Don't recognise him in those "Shades" . Do you ?

It was not "Hot..Hot" yet but the temperature was rising so we stopped in the shade to consider our next move. 

"Have you made your mind up yet ? "Said the rather handsome Herring gull.  I think it was really saying "No scraps for me then ? "

"They've gone. Not a morsel did I get. We're a bit like elephants us gulls you know. Just wait till you get an icecream or a bag of chips."

There were plenty of information displays throughout our walk. We learnt a lot !

Just before we turned back, Mike showed us the house in which he was born.

John, with stick in one hand and the bucket and spade in the other, thought he might go and build a sandcastle on the beach......... NO !

John has a small pond in his garden, The area around the pond is shingle with lots of sea shells. The bucket and spade were to  create a seaside feel to the area.

With heat and the lack of crowds the cleaning crew, seen coming towards us, had an easy job to do.

Passing the 'gull sculpture on the way back.

A friendly local stopped to point out the "OGRE" which used to stand out but now seems to have disappeared amongst a jumble of rocks.

We had difficulty finding the remaining objets the lady told us about.

"Keep a-movin' Dan he's a Devil  ( Ogre) not a man 

and he spreads the burning sands with water - Water (sea water actually). 

Dan can you see that big green tree (cafe sign) 

where the water's (coffee's) running free 

and it's waiting there for you and me e e e  (and Mike)

Water    Co o o o l    C  l  e  e  e  e  e  e  a  r  WATER.

Dan took these Ogre photos .

"Cool  Water"

FRANKIE LAINE and others

The other "Five" Included (we think) the very large rust coloured plaque (ten feet tall at least) naming all the ships, a lot,  that lay on the watery bottom of the nearby part of the Irish sea and the "Shell" near the cafe. The fifth one ??????

Every so often along the prom were unusual, covered and shaded shelters. Here we had our "Snacks before the increasing heat had us walking to the car and coming home.

Pleasant, gentle stroll with no particular plan . Great !

JW

MELTED

CARLISLE

 BRIDGE No. 3 😕

sleepers     :-  Danny and his missus  Barbara  

                         Mike and his missus  Kath

                          John and his missed   *******

As Julie Andrews sang "Let's start at the very beginning, A very good place to start."

So....Mike parked his car at JW's house and we gathered near the club in Grimsargh. From here a mini-bus took us and several others to join the large coach in Grimsargh and off we went Settle, picking up in the Clitheroe area. Soon we were on the platform at Settle Railway station waiting for the train.

Over the old station bridge and a few minutes later the train arrived.

Not long after the train left Clitheroe we were riding over the famous Ribblehead Viaduct. Rather an odd outing as it's advertised purpose was to encompass the Nationally famous viaduct. We couldn't see it.  It was under the train ????

"Did you see it Kath and Mike?"  "No."

"Did You see it Barbara and Danny?"   "No"

All happily at Carlisle Station. The train journey had been rather longer than we had anticipated and all the statioms were the same.

We were immediately surrounded by Red Sandstone buildings possibly scavenged fron the knocked down Priory. and..... what's this ?

"Hole in the ground so big and sort of round it was" (Bernard Cribbens)

We had no idea what it was.

John was temporarily startled by his railway ticket. It was ONE WAY ! How do we get home ? The coach will drive up to Carlisle to bring us back silly..... OH! !

By now the sun was shining and the large Triangular Square... ( Eh ?)  was decidedly handsome . In fact the comment that it was almost continental was expressed several times.

By the time we arrived in the square it was well into the afternoon and a cafe was sought. Down a side street we found one. The "Paradiso" which was friendly, and served excellent food in adequate portions. It also appeared to be a "Cut above"

Our next target was the Carlisle Cathedral which originally was....

"The Cathedral Church of the Holy and Undivided Trinity"

Carlisle Cathedral is the second smallest in England.    You are now wondering which Cathedral is the smallest.................................... So am I 😄

It was originally a priory but much has changed both religiously and structurally. Particularly during the time of Henry VIII and later the Civil Wars.

One of the Cathedral's volunteers explaining to Danny how the bells worked.

The rather beautiful "Star Spangled " ceiling.

Mike admiring he "Brass Eagle" Lectern. 

What is the significance of the Eagle ?

John the Evanglist spoke "Soaring" words from the pulpit. The eagle soars so the eagle represents John the evangelist and/or his teachings

The VERY large stained glass window

If you look very carefully you will see a black circle some 70ft (?) above.  That is the floor the bell ringers use (NOT for me)

Taking the stairs from the cafe you find yourself in the Fratry. The ancient Dining Hall. The three statues in the niches at the far end are modern and are entitled "Childline to God"  Can't see Esther Rantzen  or any Mobile phones though.

"HE'S BEHIND YOU !"      

It's John with his default "Serious" look

Photo by Kath

Back to where I was.  It took me a while to spot that each figure carried a child.

What's left of the old Priory. Stones were taken to repair part of the newly named Cathedral. To strengthen the Castle and as part of the fabric of the town.

This Old Postbox is actually Modern one and has been placed here to celebrate the first ever street postbox in England.

Returning to the Station through one of the twin towers leading to the square.

The past was at times quite gruesome and violent throughout the kingdom. The last hangman in england was Albert Pierrepoint who had connections with Preston, Lancashire.

Not quite sure why Danny took this photo.   I must ask him.

The coach waiting for us in between one of the round towers and the station.

A lovely day was somewhat marred by a four and a half hour journey home, The M6 Motorway was completely closed because of a bad accident. (or building of a new junction someone thought.)  The alternative routes of course were clogged by traffic leaving the M6. The coach driver was very sensible and stopped at intervals to allow his mainly elderly passengers to visit toilets.

Late home but nevertheless a a lovely visit to a surprisingly attractive town.

Lets hope our next foray does not continue the theme and turn into

 "A Bridge Over Troubled Waters."

or worse

"The Bridge of Sighs"

See you all next Thursday or would you all rather play

"BRIDGE"

😉

JW

p.s.  I am not particularly pleased with this blog. It is rather haphazard and misses some obvious parts, Where's the train ?  No cafe photo.  etc, 

BTW Derby is the smallest Cathedral.