CLEVELEYS 3

 PROMENADE  7 Miles

Promenaders:-  John W, Martin, Danny, 

                            Paddy, Anthony, Vic.

This was never going to be the most exciting or interesting walk but a stroll by the seaside with a salty breeze must be a good thing.

We parked at the Rossall end of Cleveley's promenade and set off towards Blackpool Tower.

Is that the Tower on the far horizon ?

"Not sure says" Paddy , scratching his head " I can't see it !"

Soon after we set off we came across this art installation on the beach. Rather like the old trick of peeling an apple all in one go.

When cornering at speed one is inclined to lean.    So just how fast are these fellas walking ?

Just a little further along we came across another artwork. What is it ?

It looks like a troll.       He was complaining of a headache. 

"Feels like I've got rocks on my head".

Approaching the centre of Cleveleys and the Tower is now definitely in view

This little fish has given 40 points to the "Shark Formation Swimming Team ".

 

The water's fine. Anyone fancy a paddle. (sorry couldn't resist it)

Part of the inscription on the paddle said strange things come out of the sea. 

Too true mate . They're right next to you.

Coffee time.

As we sat drinking our brews we were entertained by a seagull performing the "Last Post".

Walking along this  stretch of the prom the views were magnificent. 

Pity we couldn't see them.

We came to a break in the bleak concrete walls and decided that an early lunch was just what was called for.

"Is there anyone there ? " Intones Paddy.. "Yes. Me and Danny " says Vic.

Anthony does not look too impressed with Martin's singing.

Did I suggest that this was  rather boring walk ?  Well we seem to be having a WHALE of a time here.

Lunch over and now walking on a higher level road we came to the "Norbreck Castle "  Was it once called the "Norbreck Hydro" ?

Looking back - the sun is shining where we left . 

Is it travelling in this direction ?

........ but we must plod on ...... No sign of the Tower now ...... IS IT GETTING ANY NEARER ???

Now look.... we've had a word with you characters already..... 

there is a speed limit........... SLOW DOWN !

These earthworks were built to defend the Fylde from invasion by Manxmen or maybe they're sea walls to prevent flooding.

Here's "Undercover Paddy"  on the lookout for his Hibernian compatriots bearing gifts of Guiness and shamrock (healthy eating )

This building was a Station.     (Bispham..... we can see that John ..Totally superfluous information)     which served as a public toilet and is now a cafe.

Most of the crew opted for a refreshing coffee or tea. but not "Our Danny"  

he wanted a "99". 

A Dalek ? we must be nearing Blackpool and the Illuminations. 

Did I hear a whispered "Exterminate". 

That's a bit harsh.    They're a harmless bunch of "Oldies".

. 

"I must go down to the seas again to the lonely sea and the sky".

SEA FEVER

John Masefield

This monument honours people  (clerk of works ?)  who worked on the refurbished sea front. It also points out the direction of major landmarks.

"Give up Paddy. It didn't mention Ireland." 

Paddy is actually watching a military transport plane flying low over the sea.

I'm sure this Go Cart track used to be a swimming or paddling pool ?

These two ladies kindly pointed out the famous "Uncle Tom's Cabin" just across the road.

"Don't think I'd fit in the cockpit." said John

The last mile to the Tower. Not actually a "Golden Mile! as the day had become rather warm and we were all tired.      (OLD !  John,   OLD !)

There's the Tower. Dead ahead.

A final flask emptying stop.

........ and here's the Tower......... Made it !      Blackpool or Pisa ?

Back to Cleveleys on the tram and a final mile along Cleveleys' prom. back to the cars and Home,

THE END

JW

p.s. If you look back through the photos you might think that Vic had come as "Pocket Walker ".  Interpret that as you wish/