A Southport Promenade 6.5 miles

Today we welcome James back to walk with us. The most senior member of our group, but still remarkably fit.

This area of the North West Coast is blessed with many fine golf courses, of which Royal Birkdale is reputed to be the finest. Little wonder then, that this sculpture, silhouetted against the blue sky is situated on the first roundabout as you enter Southport on the coast road.

                  Crossing over to the promenade, but what's happened to the blue sky.

       The coast road is closed in both directions to allow work to be carried out on the pier.

Southport Pier is the oldest iron pier in the country but like James it is still not showing it's age. We made use of the facilities at the end of the pier, not just the picnic bench I might add.

                                 

                                  The sea rarely ventures up as far as the coastal road. 

                                               Paddy, enjoying an ice cream cornet.

Continuing on south along the prom, many of the light standards were occupied by a large number of starlings, that seemed quite content, like many of our kind, to just sit, and  enjoy the sunshine.

                                                        

                             Flying fish! Now that's a rare sight in this part of the world.

Paddy, the good citizen that he is, picked up a part empty Coca Cola bottle that someone had left behind, with the intention of putting it in a rubbish bin. But after carrying it around for a protracted length of time, with no litter bins in sight, he gave up and deposited it behind this signpost for the street cleaners to take care of. Why oh why are there not more litter bins?

Here we are entering Victoria Park, home to Southport Flower Show, but which has been cancelled for the last two years due to Covid.

Dinner time with our backs to a model car track. A young man was expertly racing his car round the winding and undulating track at a tremendous speed from an elevated platform. The car was taking off in some places but this young man could teach Louis Hamilton a thing or two, as he never seemed to lose control of his car.

               Arriving at the Marine Lake, which was looking it's best under the blue sky.

The Victorian Bridge that crosses the lake has lost none of its splendour, while the more modern suspension bridge behind draws attention to it.

                     Continuing along the edge of the lake, under strict supervision.

Leaving the lakeside path, we soon find a suitable venue for our afternoon brew. but after Paddy had ordered the coffee, we had to be very patient while we waited a long time for the drinks to arrive 😛. But the sun was shining, so what the heck😀. Cheers Paddy.

They don't build hospitals like this any more, but unfortunately we were unable to see it's full magnificence with all that scaffolding up.

                                This couple had the lake all to themselves. Lucky blighters.

         At the far end of the lake, the swans don't seem to be at all concerned about the  uncleanliness of their surroundings.

Almost back at the cars now, where Anthony had brought us all a cake. Thanks Anthony.

                                                                        DK