Seaside Shuffle

SOUTHPORT 6.5 Miles

Walkers :- Martin, Harry, Anthony, John R, John W.

A bright sunlit start to the day which saw us leaving Preston and picking up John R in Penwortham as we headed to the coast at Southport.  

We parked just North of the town and were soon following the coastal footpath towards the distant pier.

 

After a short distance we slipped down from the path onto the shore itself and crunched our way through the myriads of shells (mostly "Razors" ) which littered the tide-line.

 Though Harry may look as if he is fascinated by the abundance of shells beneath his feet he was in fact rather more interested in demolishing the slice of toast he had in his rucksack.

Back onto the footpath, across the road and up a short flight of steps and we were on the pier. Along with quite a few others we strode out towards the end of the pier were, as usual, we successful pursued the obligatory elderly gentleman's search before sitting at a most convenient picnic table for our customary "Elevenses". John R appears to be looking with some apprehension at his glass which had contained a Martin "Libation".       Whilst we sat the rather "Dinky" little train

passed by. Harry assured us that this was NOT the famous "Flying Scotsman" which was also having an outing on this day.

We were all surprised by the speed of the tide which raced in and covered the sand and mud beneath us - "Before our very eyes !".   John R even declared that he had never seen such a sight before.

By this time the sun had gone behind the clouds and as we set off again there was a decided chill in the air. We continued along the coastal path and were tempted to linger as we fell upon some keep Fit equipment along the way . We did NOT literally fall but did "Fall" for their lure.

A group of lady walkers of similarly mature years clapped our efforts as they went past. Such an overtly sarcastic reaction was treated with an equally disdainful response. 

At the point where a left turn would take us inland towards "Ratten Row" we stopped to look at the directions and instructions for following the Trans-Pennine route. It looked rather tortuous and rambling.

Leaving the shoreline we headed inland and were soon walking down "Ratten Row" an old road lined with some magnificent houses, not all of them old. Before we got to the end of this road we slipped through a gate into the park and towards the Marine Lake passing as we did a gentleman who told us he was part of a crew refurbishing a track especially laid out for radio controlled car enthusiasts. We had already passed a lake used by radio controlled boat owners and a miniature railway system. All, it would seem, having a large following of devoted "Hobbyists". Once in the park proper and we looked for a suitable lunch spot. A picnic table in amongst a small group of trees was ideal.

As we sat munching several identity tag strewn individuals wandered around apparently getting ready for the next "Flower Show" in September.

It wasn't long before we left the park and arrived at the Marine Lake and crossed over the rather attractive bridge as we strode in the direction of "Lord St"

Before entering the main part of the town we inadvertently followed the example of the BBC and the "Brit" awards and paid tribute to David Bowie. Here we see a short re-enactment of part of his famous song "The Laughing Gnome".

We now found ourselves walking along Southport's famous "Lord St"  where, as well as looking at the shops and the magnificent facades of many of the buildings, we sought out the warmth of a coffee spot. Wetherspoons was warm and the coffeee was good. 

Now the "End Game"  

A little more window shopping by some who shall remain nameless (They're in this photo). Just one more short stop to admire the wonderful building that was once the regions "Spinal" specialist hospital

Then back to Martin's car and home. 

No "Walker of the Week" was elected but might the author suggest Martin for providing his car to transport us. His camera for John W to use (He forgot his --UNBELIEVABLE !) and his always reliable supply of warming fire-water. Well Done.  Well done also to Anthony for stepping into the breech when it was really JW's turn to lead the walk.

G.G.

......and a few unused Photos

 

Gnome on the motorway?

So THAT"S where John's been....!!

A man has been arrested after he was seen walking along the M60 with a giant gnome.It followed reports from worried motorists who thought the man had been carrying a child on the motorway and were concerned for their safety, Greater Manchester Police said.The 26-year-old man was then arrested on suspicion of shoplifting and public order offences at junction two in Cheadle on Tuesday afternoon. He remains in custody

Greater Manchester Police tweeted that the gnome was now “safe and well in our office after being taken from a pedestrian M60 J2”

Wharfe and Weft

Blackburn 6/7 miles

Walkers :- Paddy, John W, Anthony, Martin, Mike, John R.

Just a short drive took us to Blackburn where we parked amidst the Victorian splendour of the suburbs surrounding Corporation Park. 

 Immediately across the still cobbled side road and a small gate allowed us into the magnificence of Corporation Park.  Our path led us upwards for a short distance before a flight of stones steps quickly took us even higher into the park as we searched for one of the four "Panopticans" placed around the district. Some of our group had not previously visited this panoptican and we spent some time enjoying the promised view which it afforded.

 Experience has taught us not to trust steep paved paths in parks which are often rendered slippery by leaves and  slimy growths. So it was a cautious and slow descent through the park.

 This wonderful Park has much to recommend it and so much to see.

 The rather beautiful but sadly neglected orangery or conservatory

 

One of many handsome statues to be found in the park.

The park had made much use of water features and a fine job it had done.

By the time we had descended the entire length of the park and arrived at the imposing gates it was coffee time and as the sun was shining warmly on the war memorial we chose this spot for our "elevenses".

Coffee time over we left the park and turned towards the town centre where we walked down the handsome Richmond Terrace to visit the textile museum.  Unfortunately it did not open until sometime later so we moved on. The quite vast buildings of Thwaites Brewery lay before us and it took just a little while to circumnavigate it. Before bidding it adieu we admired the "Terracotta" mural on it's wall.

 A short climb away from the brewery and a helpful pointer from a car park attendant and we arrived at the canal a short distance from the preservation area of "Eanam Wharfe"

 "Oh come on Paddy. It was only a five pence coin."

It was rather early for lunch but a warm sun, inviting seating and an interesting spot persuaded us to start munching. We also noticed an inflatable boat which was feeling a little "DE-flated".

Lunch over and we now briefly retraced our steps before continuing along the canal heading for the "Wainright Bridge." This was originally called the "Millennium Bridge" but was altered to celebrate the famous citizen's anniversary. Before leaving the canal and arriving at the bridge a rather  unusual object was spotted by paddy and fished out of the canal.

   "What's this 'ere then ?"

"Another of John's silly hats ?"

NO !

Under the "Brewery Bridge" and about 100yds beyond and we left the canal to traverse the Wainright Bridge which your writer for one found just a little disappointing'

Shortly afterwards three of the group went astray and had to be brought to heel by Paddy. Back together and a steady plod took us back to the middle of town where the broadcasting station of BBC Radio Lancashire wiled us into it's warm embrace.

After spending some time looking at the WW1 exhibition  we crossed the road and walked the short distance to the Cathedral. In a rather less than respectful manner  we ignored the religious aspects of the cathedral and went straight down into the crypt and warming beverages all round.

 But we made amends by spending time afterwards exploring the body of the church itself. It was judged to be delightfully airy and light but we were slightly surprised to see a crucifix with a figure with a statue on either side in support. This felt a rather Roman Catholic display.  We were universal in our admiration of this "Modern" cathedral.

Our interest filled walk continued as we returned to the previously closed museum. A small but fascinating glimpse into Blackburn's past. It was rather unsettling a visit as many of the "Historic" exhibits were all too familiar to most of our group. 

Paddy points to a Victorian predecessor. A "Chemist and druggist".

and here's our rather fierce looking author taking photos on his miniaturised digital camera

And so we headed back to the cars by way of a steep climb up through Corporation Park but not before encountering another drama. That of a road accident.

The "shepherd" does not want you to see the body lying in the road. (the victim was alive and did not appear to be seriously hurt.........we hope !)

THE END    

G.G.

p.s. It is always amazing how much of interest even a very ordinary (sorry Blackburnians) town can offer.

Corporation Park--->   Panopticon--->   Museum--->   Brewery--->   Canal Wharfe--->   Celebrity Bridge--->   Radio Station--->   Cathedral---> etc.   An excellent walk. Well Done !

p.p.s. The gnome did not forget or lose ANYTHING ! 

and again a few more photos from the day.

"Sorry luv. Can't hear you properly. Mi 'phone seems to have disappeared !

FUNNY BUNNY

They had just crossed the farmyard, and Danny was fastening the gate behind them , when the farmer came running out of the house shouting for them to stop.

"Wur ya thinkin' o' tekkin' t'path through t'wood ?" he demanded.

"That was our plan. "Anthony replied.

"Well be careful. There's a vicious an' dangerous rabbit on't loose."

"A WHAT ?" They all chorused.

"A Rabbit. A Coney. Nasty piece o' work an all. There's a lot o' rabbits in yon wood but  we've managed to Whittle it down to one furry little fiend. My lad's in there now wit' shotgun tryin' to get it."

"Right. We'll be very careful."

The group moved away trying to hide the smiles and chuckles. 

"A vicious and dangerous rabbit ? How scary can a bunny rabbit get ?"  

The group walked on, highly amused by the thought of a deadly rabbit . A few minutes later they had clambered over the stile and were following the footpath through the rather overgrown but nevertheless pretty wood.

Suddenly they were startled by a loud Russell in the undergrowth. (This was not the first time they had been alarmed by a "Loud Russell"). Then they were rooted to the spot by a such a "Holleran and shouting" as a spotty faced youth came bursting through the bushes with a small furry creature firmly attached to the seat of his jeans. He stared at them for a second before dropping the gun he was holding then turning away to flee down the path back in the direction of the farm. After a few yards the rabbit, for such it was, dropped to the ground and turned to face the group. It was Martin who Drew their attention to it's eyes which seemed to be glowing red with an evil glint in them.

"I think we'd better Gee up and get out of this wood." He said. "It looks as if it's in a right Paddy."

The Rabbit stamped it back legs on the ground, laid it's ears flat on its head and hopped menacingly down the path towards them.

The group, after initially walking, burst into trot (Very unusual burst of speed for our friends) as the rabbit rapidly began to catch them up. 

By now the Rabbit was snapping at their heels (Snapping !!! a rabbit ?) and they were walking backwards fending off their furry foe with the pointed ends of their walking poles. The rabbit continued to Harry them until they reached the gate at the far side of the wood. Once outside the wood the "beast" seemed to lose interest and with a final flourish of its cotton tail, it disappeared back into the undergrowth.

"Perhaps it's a territorial thing." Jim surmised.

Later research by Anthony revealed that the rabbit was probably in the grip of a complaint called "Lapinaetia Malevalentia" or "Bad Bunny Syndrome".

 

"I need a remedy that's out of this world!"

ENCHANTED FOREST ?

Sorry to post a photo twice but I have just noticed something about this one.  At first I thought the large tree in the foreground was a BEECH tree but then I saw something strange. There appears to be a sheep emerging from it.  Perhaps it's a "EWE" tree. Bit scary though.

 

What links the items shown in the picture below ?

Answers on a postcard please to ..........

Hint.  They all belong to John W but that is not the answer.