Better late than never!

Finally, walk #5 which took place way back last September.We drove to Buscough Bridge and looked around this lovely retail complex--once the maintenance depot for British Waterways.

Not far to go!!



Spring at last!



Today has been a beautiful day. A walk round Yarrow Valley lodge revealed lots of signs of Spring.......wood anemonies like tiny stars, celandines peeping through the fallen leaves, and even the odd bluebell putting in an early appearance. 

Then, of course, there were the hosts of daffodils, complete with someone who is no spring chicken! But he had a spring in his step today.



Burscough Bridge

The last bridge of a very pleasant and interesting day, 32A, Burscough Bridge. My pedometer read...14,580 steps..... 5.7 miles. A good distance for the day.

For once, there was no public transport back to the start, so we took a taxi, regaling the driver with tales of our exploits. He was impressed!

"It's good to see older folk with some get up and go," he said.

Gotcha!

These little creatures usually fly away before I capture them, but this handsome butterfly, a small tortoiseshell,was happily sunbathing.

Not always so pleasant!

Taken from bridge 31, this pretty row of old cottages was not always so pleasant to live in.

Manure was brought from Liverpool and unloaded here. Then it was taken to the fields behind. The juices then ran into the houses!!   Uugh!!!



Another history lesson

Back in blogging mood once more.Some reminders of the age and history of this canal.

Apparently, this is all that remains of a crane which used to be here! 

I have no idea what this is. It just looks old!

(not much of a history lesson, is it?)

There are several of these old swing bridges which are no longer in use.

Some just used to be the only route across the canal to scattered farmhouses.

I love the warning sign---'Do not operate'. Pretty impossible, I think!

In the background is the former airfield of the Fleet Air Arm, HMS Ringtail.

Last bit of history in this section!

An old world war two blockhouse forms the left end of this building. It blends in very well. This is the Farmer's Arms pub by bridge 31.

Blooming lovely!

This was a Christmas present. The usual bulb in a box with a bag of compost.

With some tender loving care it is now a wonderful amaryllis.

Thank you, Sara.