Walkers:- Mike. Harry, Martin, John R
Anthony, Frank, John W.
When asked what he thought of Norfolk, Noel Coward is alleged to have said "Very flet Norfolk." (I think he meant "flat" but as an native of the South who never appreciated the value of wearing a "Flet Kep" he obviously couldn't pronounce his words properly.) I wonder what he would have said about today's walk which beat Norfolk hands down in terms of it's "Fletness".
"OWERSHEEPAVNOROADSENSE" a warning written on a farm gate marked the starting point of our walk.
With the welcome return of Martin to our number we set off in cool, breezy conditions and were soon strolling along the "levee" above Cockerham marsh.
With sheep to the right of us and sheep to the left of us John R (Shepherd) engaged them in conversation. I am not sure his linguistic skills went beyond "Baa Baa" but he tried .
As we walked, to our left we overlooked the verdant mosaic of the marsh. Criss-crossed and incised by deep and at times dangerous gullies. Similarly to our right was a mosaic but a more regular one of numerous caravans in serried ranks.
Have we tackled a hill Yet ?
The path stuck doggedly to the tide line although the sea itself was some distance away. On all of our recent inland walks the delight of burgeoning wildflowers drew our admiring attention, Here, too, on the salt saturated coastline, there was no lack of attractive blooms.
May Blossom (Hawthorn)
11 o'clock (coffee time) and as we reached the next headland Cockersands Abbey appeared on the near horizon and it wasn't long before we left the immediate shoreline and walked the short distance to the few remaining traces of this ancient abbey.
There was very little shelter from the slight but non-the-less chilly breeze so we sat in the shelter of the "Chapter House" to take our coffee break.
Coffee break behind us we returned to the edge of the shore where the path continued towards a final headland before veering to the right to follow the estuary of the Lune as it flowed down from Lancaster and past Glasson Dock our next target. The headland was even more exposed and offered views of Sunderland point across the water as well as the estuary's lighthouse, the nuclear power station at Heysham, the distant fells, the wind turbines inland and a fast-travelling ferry boat arriving from the Isle of Man.
Have we tackled a hill yet ?
Soon the narrow path was to be replaced by a metalled road which took us past the lighthouse cottage where a signpost warned us about quicksands.
Weirdly the evening news on the television when we got home reported the rescue of a teenage girl trapped up to her waist in the mud only a short distance further up the coast.
And so on to a farm where the road ended and turned us back onto paths leading inland through the fields ....but first some interesting artifacts.
Buoy or Bomb (mine) ?
Today's "Anchor" man.
Once away from the coast there was still no rising ground before us as we followed the flat path towards yet another caravan park,
No hills but a short dip down to a pond.
Past the caravan park and back on the public highway. The road rose temporarily and then dropped steeply down into Glasson Dock. A Hill ? Well hardly.
Lunchtime........ and a good spot to have it.
Our leisurely lunch was brought to an end by the hint of rain which told us to pack our rucksacks and move on.
We had been sitting overlooking the sea dock and we now crossed the canal locks and followed the bank of the freshwater marina where a TV "star" in the shape of a sunken wreck lay alongside.
Past the marina and along the canal until we reach the next road. Here we tackled our first "Hill" ..... a hump-backed bridge actually.... but a steep one !!!
Back on a road the rain began to more than hint it became well defined to the extent that waterproofs if not already in use were quickly donned.
About a mile down the road we again took to the fields where the long grass left those of us who had not chosen to wear boots rapidly getting wet feet. The fields eventually devolved into a farm track which itself gave out onto the highway just fifty yards from our parked cars.
Martin Back = Shandy Back . Hurrah ! Martin being the more important returnee of course. Well done also to Martin for his brave return, And..... he brought his poorly leg with him.
PREMONSTRATENSIAN Refers to an order of monks formed in Premontre in Northern France in 1120AD by St Norbert and known as Norbertines but more commonly in England as the "White Canons". A "Canon" apparently means a priest who follows an order or discipline, The Augustinians for example follow the order or rules set down by St Augustine. So did the Norbertines. We have NO canons in our group as non of them are ordained and there is absolutely no order amongst them at all.
More Photos:-
Goldfinch feeding on Dandelion seed.
A large flock of Oyster Catchers
Cow Parsley ?
Watch out Martin there's a large Poo....l behind you.
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