WEDNESDAY. Br 78, Lancaster canal
The 2008 trip thus far: 330 Locks; 632.5 Miles; 64 Swing\Lift Bridges. Bus pass journeys 21
Whilst we were having breakfast, it started to rain. However, as we moved off, it stopped.
There are a few very expensively and beautifully built new houses along the canal; we had moored just around a corner from one. Landscaped grounds, with stone outbuildings; matching the main house.
We arrived at Galgate, where there is a small marina in be the old canal basin; we stopped just long enough to put our rubbish in the bin. The contours allowed distant views of hills before plunging us into deep, tree canopied cuttings.
The approach to Lancaster is very rural until very close to the town. There are a lot of good interesting buildings; we will inspect them closely on our way back from the top of the canal at Tewitfield.
We crossed the wonderful aqueduct over the River Lune. Designed by John Rennie and often claimed to be his finest work; was started in January 1794 and completed in Autumn 1797. The length is 600 feet and the height above the River Lune, 60 feet. We will walk down to river level on our return and have a good look from there.
We stopped about a half a mile from Hest Bank, with fields all around and very quiet. We walked to Hest Bank and down to the foreshore. We had been there last some 40 years ago; it had not changed, it was still sea marsh, with mud creeks and their unique, wonderful smell. In my early years, I had spent a lot of time messing about in boats in just such an area at Shoreham. Ah; memories!
We thought that a cup of tea would go down well and made for the beach café. It was 3.40 pm on a bright sunny afternoon with a lot of people walking around. The café closed at 3.30pm. I thought that it must be run as a tax loss. We crossed the railway line and walked to the café next to the crossing. Yes, it was shut also at 3.30pm. I would hate to be around in the winter; you could die of hypothermia and thirst.
We walked back to the boat and on the way, we saw a Kingfisher. A couple out walking had stopped to look; this was the first one that they had seen, they were very exited and pleased.
We had our first sighting of a rare bird indeed – a Caraboat! I had heard of them, but today, we saw one. Tony Carr made 64 in his factory at Sutton in Ashfield, Notts, between 1971 and 1974.
It has wheels and a folding tow bar; is 16 feet long and designed to be as the name suggests both a caravan and a boat.
Weather – Overcast, drizzle then bright and sunny.
