WALKERS :- John W, Danny, Mike, Vic
Mick, Anthony, Martin.
With Corona Virus lurking in every shadow it has been difficult to plan walks. Car sharing is unwise and driving a long way is prohibitive. This means we find ourselves revisiting old walks near to home and where there is parking for at least half a dozen cars. Revisiting old walks not necessarily a bad thing.
Today we found ourselves parking at the erstwhile "Freeport" in Fleetwood on a grey, drizzly morning.
There was initial confusion as we left the car park and headed for the river side.
As we crossed this bridge we realised that "Yes" we had followed this route last time "But" we were on our bikes then.
Back past the Car Park and turn towards the Town Centre.
Almost immediately we turned away from the High Street and walked through a small shabby industrial site.
This led us onto a path following an old quayside. An obvious history of more prosperous times for Fleetwood.
At one point the path came across an obstacle (not sure what) that necessitated a rather tall footbridge.
And of course everyone's a comedian !
We walked quite carefully as the photos don't show the 15 to 20 foot drop off the quay and into rather unpleasant looking thick mud. (the tide was out). Soon, however, we left the river and turned towards the town centre.
On turning the corner what should we find ?
How fortuitous ! 11 o'clock. Coffee time.
Suitably refreshed we carried on along the promenade. More reminders of Fleetwood's heritage as just like the trawlermen we followed the fish.
Passing a civic statue that really does deserve to be there. 
A fisherman's wife and children (and dog) waving to daddy as he returns from the "Perils on the Sea".
I hope you will indulge the writer if he quotes (inaccurately) a song written by Ewen McColl in the 60's
Oh the work was hard and the hours were long
And the treatment sure it took some bearing
And I used to sleep standing on my feet
As we hunted for the shoals of herring.
We continued along the prom for only a short distance before turning right to follow the edge of the sea.
Mike and Mick walking and chatting sensibly
Danny playing "Aeroplanes"
We followed the road as it led past the "Marine Hall". Here Martin greeting a "Stranger" with a cheerful "Hello Alf". It was a priest who many years before had played football in the same team as Martin.
Like many others he was sorting food to be delivered to the needy.
It is never a good idea to allow Martin to start reminiscing about football !!!!
Our plan was to stop for lunch at the Coastguard watchtower but first we turned briefly inland to skirt the Marine Lake,
A few minutes later we arrived at a CLOSED watchtower but happily sat on the sea wall for lunch.
I'm sure the architect knew what he was up to but what the heck..............................................
"Mike the Bike" met some fellow wheelers and Martin had competition !
Lunch over and "necessities" visited thanks to Martins "Magic"key. Off we went along the shore path.
Sea Holly alongside the path.....and a sandy seat..
Now on our left was Fleetwood Golf Course alongside which was a grassy footpath, We climbed over a solid but rather tricky stile before following the edge of the golf course.
After the drizzly start the day was becoming decidedly warm and tiringly "Close". Our route now lay along suburban streets which of course merely accentuated the heat.
Our route , however, was not without interest.
Vic is looking longingly at something.
Is he hungrily planning his tea ?
Or has he got a pet fish that is feeling unwell ?
This poor seagull is unfortunately beyond help.
If you look carefully you may see a bike coming out of a wall. Feel sorry for the rider who must be splattered on the other side of the wall.
Just around the next corner and there before us was the car park.
And so to home
THE END
...and at the end a pair of tired feet
