Oooo... Look whos one of the dignitaries

 Typical just when all the festivities are due to start the rain comes again. On and off all day but it didn't stop the public. As the official opening wasn't until 2pm we had time to join a 2 hour walk showing the old line of the canal towards Liverpool.

Our tour guide was Mike Smalshaw.

If we had known the route planned we would have waited until today to go to the docks because it was exactly the same as we took yesterday. The difference being we were told some of the history.

Bottom lock of the flight was the original wet dock.  (That's Sandra AREANDARE) in yellow.

We missed this yesterday as we walked along the road. Drinking fountain for the workers and of course the horse troughs would have been nearby (no longer seen)

A lot of the route was toward the new link and locks into the dock. Photos I posted yesterday. The old line would have taken you along where the Liver building is today. That building was built when the old dock was filled in and started in 1908 with the official opening in 1911.

We veered off and was shown the Gateway to the East and a plaque of the Leeds and Liverpool canal.

 Then it was on the Chisenale Street Bridge and pub

 .

This was the first bridge on the Leeds and Liverpool

And next to it The Bridge Inn. Known as the Fly house because the local refuge was brought in by barges to a nearby tip and the infestation of flies made the area most unpleasant.

Arriving back on site we only just made the official opening. People were milling everywhere, lovely to see the local support here.

Canoeing was very popular with the youngsters.

The Pride of Sefton  arrives with the dignitaries on board

Can you see who is with them?

The man himself Richard Parry Chief Executive of C&RT.

Canoeist enjoying the limelight.

Then it was the speeches. Unfortunately I didn't get to hear any of it because a few minutes before and while I was eating a BBQ chicken roll, the filling dropped out staining the front of my T Shirt and shorts. Nothing for it but return to FS for a change of clothes.

And the speeches begin.

Trip boat on it's way back. Lady security by the bridge. On every entry, locks, and bridges security were posted some saying on their post all day. No worries about the boats being stoned today!

After changing it was a walk back to the site and see Barry to purchase Bourbon  sachets and Irish cream liqueur kit. I know what I'm doing once we get to a supermarket. Buy lots of Vodka as the alcohol base!!!

Barry attracting some business.

And Shrek the boat horse with his waterproof rug. He needed it it as was raining at this point.

And then on the walk back to FS for the second time, the locals having a street party.

Another security guy by the street party.

And just one photo today of an Orchid seen by the lock.