The Meanderthals: OH I DO LIKE TO BE........... !

BLACKPOOL > 8 Miles

Walkers :- Jim C, Vic, Martin, Anthony, Paddy
John R, John W, Danny, Frank
and...................Mike (?)

With so much free street parking behind the Pleasure Beach and next to "Big Blue" (Was'at ?) it took us a little while to gather our forces before setting off.

A short stride and we were on the promenade where a bright warm sun soon outfought the chilly breeze we felt as we left the cars.

One has to ask "What are those strange white things between Paddy's shorts and his socks ?"

The delightfully clean, uncluttered and modern feel of the prom. was much commented upon as we happily strolled northwards towards two of Britain's iconic structures.

Here is the first one. The "Big One" which to a group of elderly foot shufflers looked truly terrifying. There were those amongst us who said they would be happy to give it a try. ( Fortunately mental health is seen as a political priority at the moment so treatment should soon be available ) We stood and watched in awe as empty carriages thundered around it. Presumably safety checks before the season starts.

Not much further on we came to a revolving seat which was supposed to react to the wind and move so that the seat was always sheltered. After much pushing and pulling it still refused to budge even afer we realised that pushing it whilst standing on it was rather stupid.

As we continued our walk we passed two bronze statues. One had been completely removed (by vandals ?) and the one, above, had no left hand. (Look at that sky though. )

It wasn't long before we came to Central Pier. With a chill breeze still coming off the sea we decided to sit in it's shelter and have our morning coffee break. ("Wondered when that was coming " I hear you say.) As we sat - a wonderful surprise - Mike had cycled all the way from Preston to join us.

As well as thirst quenchers our aged colleagues had other needs and toilets were sought on the pier.
All ready for the off ? No ! Jim C had disappeared. Search parties were organised and he was eventually found. We did NOT ask where he had been - far too discreet.

Our next target had been in view right from the start. Blackpool's most iconic structure THE TOWER !
A rather glamorous form of transport left our venerable, vintage and veined (and varicosed) veteran's totally unmoved. I know a few little girls who would have been thrilled to take a ride. (OK. OK. little boys as well I suppose - musn't be sexist.) I make no excuse for mentioning "Varicose" as it continues the alliterative vein (aaargh !)

Almost under the Tower now and we arrived at the somewhat capricious "Comic Carpet". Hilarious in places and mystifyingly oblique and unfunny in others. At this point Mike left us to continue his cycle ride, eventually returning to Preston. We were al hugely impressed by both his undoubted fitness and his desire to meet up with us. Well done and thanks Mike.

We are still puzzled by the black "onion" sculptures (top right)

As we ambled towards the shelters where we intended to take lunch we were accosted by a team from "Radio Lancashire" who wanted to know our opinions on the upcoming general election.

Vic and John W where foolish enough to engage with them. It was, however, not an unpleasant experience and we came away with a gift each. A hessian shopping bag.

And so we came to lunch time. We were joined by several hopeful seagulls and one hungry, hopeful pigeon.

Here we see a hopeful seagull

Where'd it go.

So much for Martin's plan to "Shoo" it and so get a picture of it in flight. It simply dropped down behind the rocks. We later saw some rather late advice.

Too Late !

We were now following the top of the shallow cliffs as we passed through Bispham and headed towards Cleveleys.

Salty Sam searches the sea to see what he can see .

Not a lot !

The Norbreck Castle (Hydro ?) one of many very large hotels lining the the Fylde coast at Blackpool and with the general election looming the sign near Martin offers very sound advice.

Much to our surprise we found ourselves arriving in Cleveleys. We had earlier expressed the view that we would not reach it at the speed we were walking. (Danny apparently became very annoyed when a rather cheeky snail overtook him.) Nevertheless here we were at the end of our walk (nearly). We stopped and waited for the group to gather together whilst admiring a quite exquisite sculpture.

We descended the sea defenses and crossed the road to a cafe. Although we all had flasks we still welcomed a fresh mug of tea or coffee at the little rather brash corner cafe. The drinks were both good and cheap.

It only remained to follow Cleveleys' main street to where the tramlines crossed it. To board the tram and take the half hour journey back to our start at the Pleasure Beach. (£2.60)

Then a brief walk back to the cars and off to Preston.

BUT

If you look closely at the last photo of a departing tram you might see two of our group who forgot to get off the tram and carried on to the end of the line. They shall remain anonymous.......

No they won't - Jim C and John R

They were with us only a few minutes later and so to home.

A sunny and very enjoyable walk. The organiser had to carefully scan his maps prior to planning the walk. A straight line is a very unusual route to take 😁

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