Getting flustered

 I couldn't believe my eyes this morning, dog's barking woke us up, in fact it woke everyone up it was that loud. Being nosey I lifted the blinds slightly. One of those 4 X 4's had arrived. 5 dogs were leaping about having jumped out of the boot, not small dogs either, more Lab/GSD size and then the back door was opened and another 4 appeared, all of a similar size. Crikey, 9 dogs in one vehicle that must be a record but hang on...the passenger door opened and another 3 came out of that!!! By now the noise was deafening, they could still be heard as they disappeared into the distance. Now correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't it law to make sure a dog is secure in a vehicle either by harness or cage.  I'm sure the Police would have a field day if that person was caught. This from Auto Express

If you plan to carry your dog in the car, the law is pretty straightforward. Rule 57 of the Highway Code states that you must “make sure dogs or other animals are suitably restrained” in a vehicle. So, you can’t have Bonzo wandering around the car’s cabin or sticking his head out of the window as he sees fit.

 Motorhomes started leaving it wasn't even 7 am. Not us though, we wanted to give Toffee another good walk before leaving. Breakfast consisted of bacon and eggs, toast and marmalade. A decent meal to set us up for the walk. We would make for Lytham St Anne.

MB in the middle

Two hours later we were back. Playing with Toffee, having a coffee when we arrived at Lytham and a slow walk back because of knee pain, all took time. Our 24-hour parking ticket was up at 13.00 and with the clock ticking rapidly toward that time we left without bothering with lunch. Destination Williamson Park.

 Sat Nav showed a time of 45 minutes to get there. That would have been achievable if it hadn't been for going through Blackpool again. Now that the weather had improved considerably from yesterday, every man and his dog were out enjoying the sights. 

 Matters went from bad to worse because of road closures. Sat Nav insistence that we do a U turn when the road she tried to direct us down was closed, only got us flustered. I couldn't even rely on the proper map, no idea where we were! Anyway Ian's sense of direction is second to none, and somehow she approved of his choice 'cos she started talking to us once more and eventually Blackpool was left far behind.

Williamson Park was free. The only thing to be paid for was the Butterfly house, but I forego that because it wasn't fair to leave Ian standing outside with Toffee. Instead, a walk toward the reservoir, disappointing because of the wall surrounding it and the only gate into it was locked. We did find a small bird hide and the circular walk seemed to poop Toffee out. I don't think she was used to this much walking, she may well sleep tonight instead of wanting to play. Fingers crossed!

The Ashton Memorial.  A folly in Williamson Park, built between 1907 and 1909 by the millionaire industrialist Lord Ashton in memory of his second wife, Jessy

Lovely view from the park.

Three miles from the park another CS site was found. Loo emptying and water a must. Electric hook up is always a bonus, batteries can be fully charged and the computors can be left plugged in. Off to the Lake District tomorrow, I can't remember how many years have gone by since we were last there. Really looking forward to that.

 

And wildlife

A return for old times sake.

 I think the dry spell has well and truly broken. It's been raining on and off since early yesterday evening. Last night taking Toffee for an eight o clock walk, a huge puddle had appeared right by the back step. Typical.  Ian had moved MB to where he thought the ground was more level. Somehow I think he was mistaken.

The wind and rain lashed MB all night, and I was glad it was Ian's turn to take Toffee out first thing. The weather was so bad, planning where to go was a bit of a nightmare. Various suggestions all got the thumbs down. I fancied Williamson Park which would have given Toffee a really good walk in their 54 acres grounds but of course that idea was pooh poohed...much to wet. Blackpool was also turned down, not a good place for a slightly nervous dog but then how about going to Glasson Docks just for old time sake. We were there 14 years ago with two other boaters from the Erewash. We had to cross the tidal River Ribble to get to the Lancaster Canal, leaving from the Rufford Branch at Tarleton, out on the River Douglas, around Astland Lamp and onto the Ribble onwards to the mouth of Savic Brook which took us off the river, through the sea lock and onto the Brook itself (We called Savick Brook the 'Ditch'. Narrow and very shallow!) Finally up 8 locks and onto the Lancaster canal.

River Douglas at low tide

Heading toward Astland Lamp on a now very wide River Douglas

The entrance to Savick Brook

Going through the sea lock

The ditch.

Quite a way along the canal was the Glasson Branch. A descent of 7 locks took us down to the basin. Here we stayed for several days, good days they were too, so we were keen to see if any changes had occurred. It all looked to be the same and with the rain holding off, we took Toffee for a walk around the basin. Just got back to MB when down came the rain again. 

We headed back toward Blackpool. All my fault because looking on the web, I noticed sand dunes at Lytham St Anne's. Light bulb moment...that could be where Toffees stamina was tested.  As an added bonus, it also had a park 4 night right by the dunes. That would do nicely.

First Blackpool had to be driven through. Even with appalling weather loads of people were about. None of the Blackpool illuminations lighting the streets although the larger than life tableaux hung securely from posts in readiness when all the lights would be switched on next month.

The car park was a good mile from Blackpool, good for us because it meant Toffee was allowed on the beach. Rain was still coming down, but it appeared to be brightening up somewhat so water proofs on to take a very excited dog to the dunes. The sea was far out and a vast expanse of proper sand lay before us. In the distance we noticed kite surfers, making the most of the wind and rough seas. Now that looked like fun. Oh, if only we both were fit and able. This sport has come too late for two geriatrics like us! 

 All I could manage was a gentle stroll and paddle and watching one mad excited Toffee tearing all over the place. Now what did I say about her stamina? It's boundless, I don't think we could ever wear this dog out!

 The rain did stop for a while and a glimmer of sun appeared late afternoon. We have ,made another decision. Remember Williamson Park.Well that has been put into the Sat Nav for tomorrow.

Horses on the beach

Toffee we love you dearly but not at 5 am! The insistent nudging of my arm, trying to ignore her was not an option. Nop she wanted to go out so with jumper over the PJ's and almost 100 per cent sure no one would see me, I ventured out. Good job too because no sooner had her paws hit the grass you could almost see the sigh of relief as she squatted. So glad I didn't ignore the signs.

Looking at the map Ian found a place called Pilling and Preesall Sands. Car parking was along the side of the road but wide enough even for MB. Toffee needed a good run to wear her out and noticed on arrival that the tide was out. A vast expanse of what I thought to be sand stretched before us. Then as we took the ramp down to the sea marshes, a notice caught our eye. Ah, maybe venturing out wouldn't be such a good idea. What looked like sand was more like compacted mud and the warnings of "if the quick sand doesn't get you, the fast flowing water coming in as the tide turns might" put me off somewhat. Warning headed we made sure to stay well off the sand banks.

 

Back at MB it was decided that this place would be a great place to chill out and stay overnight. Chairs came out we settled down to watch the world go by. 

 

Suddenly the peace was shattered by a lorry arriving. Turns out it was a horse box! Surely no riders would take risks on those dangerous sands, I thought. I had to go over and ask if those signs were wrong.

 

Turns out that keeping to the left was perfectly safe, so with no further ado, Toffees lead went on, and we took the same route as those riders.

Ah...the sand was more like gluttonous mud than sand. Toffee loved it, got nice and dirty. I sent a video of her going wappy to our son and daughter in law. Oh dear, Iwona then informed me she had bathed her the day before we picked her up...oops!

 

We never did get to the sea, decided it was silly idea when the soft mud/sand clung to the soles and made it very slippery. We did spend some time watching the horses galloping through the surf before heading back.

 To walk off our lunch we took a stroll along part of the sea wall. Steps leading down to the salt marshes  looked more inviting than continuing on a concrete path, Toffee would prefer it we were sure.  In the distance was Fleetwood, a good walk away but an ice cream at our destination would make it worthwhile. But then Ian's bombshell went down like a dose of salt when he mentioned leaving his wallet on MB. As for me, I never take any cash with me, no point when I have a man that pays for everything. Going on then seemed pointless so back to MB it was!

 

Got to chill out and enjoy the rest of the afternoon. Made a change from all the house/castle visiting we have been doing lately. Tomorrow we may go into Garstang for a walk along the Lancaster Canal.

And wildlife today

Common Blue

Lapwing

Can you tell what it is?

Sea Lavender.

And another caterpillar I can't identify. I've looked on that many moth and butterfly sites but still can't see what it is. (Thanks to Jo it has been identified as a White Ermine Moth Caterpillar)

Off toward Lancashire

 Toffee our son's gorgeous fox red Labrador has joined us for the next three weeks. Last night she slept in-between our beds, which in itself was not a problem... well not at first anyway. Having had a very late night playing poker, drinking far too much of the alcoholic stuff, when I awoke with a raging thirst around 5.30 am, I almost trod on her out stretched leg. I dont know who was more shocked, her or me!

Today we set off for Garstang. At first Toffee tried to lie down in the foot well, couldn't have that 'cos nowhere for me to put my feet. We insisted she went back into her basket. Took a while but eventually she did settle down. 

Three hours later and two comfort stops (Toffee) we made it to where we had planned to spend the night. A very small car park which according to the information board, had several walks to go on. One took us across a field of sheep and the other looked more inviting because Toffee could be let off the lead. This was the one we took but soon found out it didn't actually lead anywhere.

 

About turn, lead clipped on to Toffee's harness, and we headed for the other footpath. A style was in the way, no problem for us but nowhere for Toffee to get through. Good job Ian has strong arms because to pick up a wriggling Labrador weighing about 25 kilos was not easy. Anyway we got her over, walked across the field with sheep scattering in all directions, got to the gate at the other end, and it was locked! Two more gates had been tied together with baling twine so nothing for it but untie that and squeeze through.

 

 This led us back onto the road and a public footpath sign pointed across yet another field. This time no live stock, so I debated whether to let Toffee run free. What was in there were hares. Thought it best to keep toffees lead on after all. I had visions of trying to run after her .....trying being the operative word! 

Anyway got all the way to the bottom of the field to where another gate had to be opened.

This time though, we were well and truly stuffed as not only a huge chain and padlock stopped it from opening but the claws from one of the farm's machinery plant had been placed causing an impossible barrier. Huh...So much for the public right of way!

Shame we couldn't go for a decent walk, she needs wearing out! Only 18 months old, she wants to play all the time. Very difficult in a small confined space!

Not sure where we will be heading tomorrow. Internet not brilliant so looking for things to do in the area with a dog is a tad difficult. Maybe head for the canal or even the beach. A lot depends on the weather.

And wildlife

Small Skipper