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 
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"
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
......and a few unused Photos
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