Day 51 - Liverpool

Thursday 23rd July

Visit from Rachael and Anna

We have a VIP visit today - Rachael and Anna of course. Walked up through Liverpool One to Lime Street where we met them and back to boat for lunch.



Anna comes to visit

After lunch walked around Pier Head showing Rachael the route we had taken to get to the moorings. She was excited to see the changes that had taken place since she left Liverpool eight years ago when it was a building site preparing for the year as City of Culture.

Stopped for tea and cake before returning to the station only to realise that the Brasco Lounge was the same chain as Shirley's Desco Lounge so Anna felt at home.







Our mooring at night

After seeing them on to the train we strolled back to boat via M&S food. By now the temperature had dropped and the wind picked up again - almost put the heating on!

Later walked towards Liverpool marina but after walking past several other docks still never reached it. Had a couple of drinks in the Pump House. By now the wind had dropped and we saw the sun setting and moon rising. Warm enough to sit out for a bit with jackets and scarf on!

Day 52 - Liverpool

Friday 24th July

Liverpool - Train trip to Crosby and Southport

Decided not to do museums but to take a train instead to the coast. We got day rover tickets £490 each. First stop Waterloo where we alighted and made our way to the sea front. Had coffee and "Chester cake" in a beachside café.



Another Place on Crosby beach

Next we walked around the marine lake on to the beach where Anthony Gormley's "Another Place" is exhibited. This consists of 100 iron men modelled on the artist scattered 3 km along the beach and 1 km out to sea. Quite weird but fascinating at the same time.











Sue getting acquainted



The Isle of Man ferry under the eye of an iron man












Jelly Fish

Paul gets acquainted




















Figures look out to a container ship

There are 100 figures in a 2 mile stretch of beach








Fish and chips at Southport

Back on the train at Hall Road heading for Southport. As we headed towards the seafront buying fish and chips on the way the rain started. We hung around for an hour or more but it just didn't stop so we got the train back to Liverpool where it was also raining!

English summer weather summed up!












Later it dried up and we walked across the dock to take a last view of the Mersey. Spent the rest of the evening people watching in the Brasco lounge!

Day 53 - Liverpool to Melling

Saturday 25th July

12 miles, 6 locks, 4 swing bridges

The moorings in Salthouse Dock

Alarm set - leaving Liverpool. Still very cool and breezy, well windy but at least it is dry.















Wakeboarding competition in Albert Dock

Convoy of 8 boats leaving but CRT let the four boats at the fron through the bridges while the second four congregated. Paul had time to do a 6 minute pumpout at Litherland.












Heading back towards the museum









Soon passed through the three swing bridges and saw boats moored waiting to go down to Liverpool tomorrow morning. Went through swing bridge 10 having said goodbye to CRT team at bridge 9. Moored at around 3pm but unable to enjoy the rural views due to low temperature and winds from the North West.

Coots were very noisy! Several more boats went past to join the queue to Liverpool.

Lazy evening watching TV and early night.

Day 54 - Melling to Scarisbrick Marina

Sunday 26th July

9 Miles, 5 swing bridges

Set alarm to move boast along to Scarisbrick Marina where we are booked in for a week before heading South. Reason for wanting to set off early being the weather forecast - low pressure heading in for the next few days.

Not far from marina when rain started would not have got so wet if we had not had to slow down for a fishing competition.

As it was by the time we were moored on pontoon 16 we were quite wet - the electricity had to wait until later! The heating came on and my slippers came out - I never wear slippers between April and September!

Spent the afternoon watching Ritchie Rich followed by the last leg of the Tour de France - pleased to see it was raining in Paris too!

Did stop raining early evening so took the 0.8 miles stroll down the A507 to the Morris Dancers where we had a couple of drinks. Went back via the Little Elephant an Indian restaurant which ion the internet was open until 11pm but they closed at 9pm today. Good job I had made a chilli earlier!

Day 55 - Scarisbrook Marina

Monday 27th July

Collect the hire car - Rufford Old Hall and Southport

Still raining very pleased the rain has coincided with our time in the marina.

Paul got picked up Enterprise cars at mid-day. The chap was so excitable he reversed into a car in the marina car park. Paul returned with a grey Fiat 500L with lots of buttons/lights/displays etc.



Rufford Old Hall

We headed off to Rufford Old Hall a NT property. Small but warm beautifully furnished a lot of dark wood cupboards etc all heavily carved which is apparently typical of furniture made in Lancashire in the period ie late Tudor to 19th C.













Woolen art in the grounds

Gardens had survived the battering from the recent wind and rain although the same can't be said for the woollen wood, an area of woodland that has been decorated with woollen flowers, birds, creatures to promote wool. These creatures were looking rather bedraggled. Had lunch in the tea room where I enjoyed Lancashire rarebit.

















Our hire car







Southport shopping arcade

Next headed to Southport which was a different place in the dry. Strolled through a Victorian shopping centre with an amazing glass roof, past the town gardens, over the marine lake which was enormous. Managed to buy mum's slippers in Southport M&S.
















Blackpool tower from Southport pier

Back to Silcocks Funland stopping to buy a windmill for Anna. Enjoyed some chips before walking to the end of the pier which is apparently the longest in England. Arcade/bar at the end which had an old penny arcade. Didn't stay long as it was still dry but the black clouds over the town suggested it wouldn't be for long. Just got back to the car as the rain started. Blackpool tower was clearly visible across the Ribble estuary.

Sheltering from the wind on Southport pier with Anna's windmill



The end of Southport pier











After an hour or two on the boat drove to the Saracens Head in Halsall for a couple of drinks before eating in the Elephant and Indian restaurant near the marina.

What an experience Shane our waiter was an oddball - he had heard of Birmingham was keen to recommend things but when asked to said he had not been there long. We don't think he will be there much longer. The ceiling was leaking near our table - Shane said it was an "insurance job". Meal was OK and cheap. Got soaked walking back to the boat.

Day 56 - Scarisbrick Marina, Birmingham

Tuesday 28th July

Rob and Claire's via Speke Hall

Paul announced he has had toothache for a couple of weeks so he has a dentist appointment in Hall Green tomorrow. Therefore leaving boat a day earlier than planned.



Swallow nest at Speke Hall

All ready by 11am. Drove to Speke Hall another black and white Tudor property near Liverpool airport. Very nice more heavily carved wood furniture. Some original William Morris wall paper in the library.












Babies being fed



Speke Hall



Speke Hall

Drove down to Alvechurch on the M6. Glad we were heading South as the northbound carriageway was at a standstill for miles.Hope it is not like that on the way back on Sunday.

Had a nice evening with Rob and Claire hearing about wedding plans and seeing the progress they have made in the garden - a vegetable patch has been prepared. Went to the Red Lion for a drink and picked up a curry. Stayed at Rob'sovernight.

Day 57 - Scarisbrick Marina, Shipton Moyne

Wednesday 29th July

Dentist and Shipton Moyne



Anna and Granddad

Visited Rachael and Anna who is rolling all over the place and moving forward by lifting her bum up and pushing. Took her to the clinic with Rachael she now weighs 14lb 9oz a gain of 1lb 4oz in three weeks. Paul meanwhile went to the dentist an had another root canal preparation - he has to go back on Monday for the filling. Rang marina and car hire place to extend the bookings - no problem.








Anna



Trying to crawl

Went down to Shipton Moyne after lunch watched cricket and chatted to mum. Had a meal in the Cat Ian joined us for a drink. Mum's garden very colourful with hollyhocks, geraniums and agapanthas in full swing. Stayed at Mum's overnight.

Day 58 - Scarisbrick Marina, Winchester

Thursday 30th July

Winchester via Swindon



The front garden in Shipton Moyne

Set off for Winchester after breakfast. Stopped in Wootton Bassett to pick up Paul's antibiotics. Decided to call in to Paul's Dad and Ann's for coffee. They enjoyed seeing pictures of Anna.
















Arrived in Winchester at lunchtime. Had a panini in the Art Café. Strolled around the city centre and booked a hair appointment.

Arrived at the Winchester hotel to find they had only booked us in for one night even though the confirmation email clearly said two. Got it sorted eventually. No sooner had we settled than it was time for me to get my hair cut. Twenty five minutes and forty four pounds later it was done - not quite how John cuts it.

Back to hotel for a soak before a trip to Wetherspoons for a cheap and cheerful dinner.

Day 59 - Scarisbrick Marina and Winchester

Friday 31st July

Exploring Winchester



King Alfred the Great

After a big cooked breakfast in the hotel felt very lazy. Listened to the beginning of the third day of the ashes test until midday before strolling into Winchester.



















Winchester City Mill

Went to Winchester City Mill which is NT. Not milling today but the building and power of the water was quite spectacular.












We bought a picnic lunch in town and sat in the abbey gardens which lasted about 4 hours! We saw wedding photos being taken and trout in the river. Listened to England win the third test by 8 wickets. Paul enjoyed an ice cream. Rach, Ross and Anna joined us and we enjoyed a River Cottage coffee and a piece of black garlic chocolate brownie in the shade of a tree.



Winchester Cathedral

We then walked up past the cathedral. Very big building - we didn't go in as they charge £7.50 each and up to the great hall which was closed. At this point we babysat Anna while Rach and Ross went for an early dinner in Cote which they enjoyed. We took a smiley Anna back to our hotel where she had a chat with Gert Gran (who has a broken tooth). When Anna was fed we took her outside to see flowers etc. There were children playing with balloons which fascinated her so she was a tired but happy bunny when mummy and daddy collected her.





Great Hall

City Gate



Anna sucking her foot















We had a drink on the terrace but it was very quiet so we strolled into the city trying the Old Vine and the Eclipse which is on the site of the Rectory of St Lawrence (1604). Back to room for picnic supper - bread, cheese etc from the food market.





Day 60 - Winchester

Saturday 1st August

Babysitting for Anna

Left the Winchester hotel had a drive around some Hampshire villages - very picturesque thatched cottages galore with roses round the door. Arrived at the Barton Tracey travel lodge early and had a coffee in the Little Chef. Checking out what time they close in case we have to have our dinner in shifts later!



Off to the wedding

Rachael, Ross and Alex and Dan were taken to the wedding venue by Paul while I stayed in the room with Anna.















Chatting at the hotel

Later we drove to Andover where I went into Iceland to buy bread for feeding the ducks. Anna loved the ducks and pigeons. Wandered around town Anna sitting up in her buggy taking note of her surroundings drifting off to sleep when she had had enough. We ate fish and chips on a bench by the ducks - Anna was in evening mood by this time and needed a bit more attention. We had trouble with the car seat but eventually got her in and returned to travel lodge where Anna took a long time to settle. Paul picked up the wedding goers at 11.45 and when they returned we retired to our room!





Coffee in Andover

Feeding the ducks

Anna in Andover

Andover's Viking connection?

Day 61 - Chippenham and Birmingham

Sunday 2nd August

Chippenham and Birmingham



Anna getting ready to go home

Intended to go to Little Chef for breakfast but it was packed and there was a 30 minute wait for a table. Decided to drive into Winchester. Met Alex and Dan there but they soon left us to shop. Ross bought us breakfast from West Country Pasty Co. and we returned to Abbey gardens to eat it.



























Rach, Ross and Anna left us to go to Sam's parents for buffet lunch. We headed to Chippenham to see Karon and Dave. After leaving them did a quick dash to Mum's to retrieve my watch and earrings. No time to call into Rob's to retrieve my jacket!

Had bought stuff for dinner from Winchester so when we got to Rachael's (an extra night as Paul has dentist again) I cooked a lamb dinner followed by M&S cherry pie - yummy. Early night for us all.

Day 62 - Scarisbrick Marina

Monday 3rd August

Dentist and return to the boat

I babysat while Paul went to the dentist and Rachael went to the doctor!

Headed back up to marina at about 10.30 - took longer than expected as there had been an accident on the M6.

Back at boat we unloaded car and dashed into the tea room for lunch. I had a boater's platter - a ploughman's with ham and pork pie!

After lunch operation laundry began washing in machines in boat and laundry. Soon all was washed and dried. Tesco's next for a big stock up on tins etc.

Paul's tooth has been agony all day. He has taken maximum paracetamol and brufen to no avail. Even tried to anesthetise it with beer but that didn't work either! I fear the car will be on the M6 again tomorrow.

Day 63 - Scarisbrick Marina

Tuesday 4th August

Return to dentist!

As predicted Paul had to go back to the dentist. I decided to stay at marina. Did more washing, reading and catching up with Jude. Treated myself to tea and cake in the tea room - tried to sit outside with my book but too windy.

Paul got back with more antibiotics and the reassurance that the tooth is sound.

Drove to the Saracens Head before dinner - have been there three times now and passed it by boat twice - it hasn't been warm enough to sit in the garden.

We have decided to retrace our steps, well not all of them, and head back to moorings. Cons outweigh pros for going on over the Pennines.

Day 64 - Scarisbrick Marina to Parbold

Wednesday 5th August

7 miles, 4 swing bridges

Finally on the move. Paul returned the car to Enterprise rentals and settled marina bill (£107). Set off in the dry but still windy and cool.

Stopped at Burscough for a wander. The wharf buildings have been done up into shops and restaurants. Lovely wool/sewing shop. Bought more wool for Anna. Had lunch on board before setting off again for Parbold.

Highlight of the cruise was seeing a kingfisher emerge from the water, sit in a tree and eat the fish it had caught. Quite a sight - a first for both of us.



Liquorish and blackcurrant ice cream

Moored at Parbold wandered into town Paul having the liquorish and blackcurrant ice cream recommended by Sarah. Parbold seems to have quite an active community - lots going on.



















Gardening in Parboald

Back to boat for dinner and the first 2015 bake off programme! Went for a late drink in the Windmill.





Day 65 - Parbold

Thursday 6th August

Very dull start to the day and rain started at around 10am. Decided to sit it out and listen to the start of the 4th ashes test. Well we couldn't move. England bowled Australia out for 60 before lunch!

By the time the rain had stopped we didn't feel like moving. Wandered to the shops. Paul had his hair cut (£6 very good).

Wandered to the Wayfarer which is OK. Cannot agree with Sarah B that it is the best pub so went back to the Windmill where we met a couple from Liverpool who owned the bar where I had my photo taken with a polar bear! Now know his name is Albert.

Day 66 - Parbold to Pennington Flash

Friday 7th August

13.5 miles, 8 locks



Leaving Parbold

Left Parbold. Weather OK dry at least. Stopped in Wigan as I remembered that the church had a William Morris stained glass window. However the church is only open on Saturdays (it is Friday)! Bought a few supplies before setting off for the Leigh branch. The repaired lock and its partner are still hard work and Paul took ages to fill lock 2 due to the leakage at the bottom gate. It was a longer cruise than we remembered to Pennington Flash and we moored at 6.30pm. No views of the flash though as there was already 7 or 8 boats in the prime spots.



Day 67 - Pennington Flash to Worsley

Saturday 8th August

7 miles



A rare sunny morning

A beautiful hot sunny morning . Able to have breakfast outside. Decided to stay and listen to end of 4th test in the sunshine. England secured the ashes within the hour.

Finished pink bobbly cardi and started turquoise jumper for Miss Anna!











Approaching Worsley

Cruised to Worsley in the afternoon passing a moto-cross meeting on the way. Scary - bikes jumping feet off the ground over hills.

Saw a bride and groom having photos in Worsley on a narrowboat and on the bridge. Worsley very busy a coach load going to Georges and another party gathering for a boat trip. Walked to the Barton Arms for a drink.

The mine entrance at Worsley