Day time in Wigan

Just had to go back into town a day or two later to prove to Anya that there are people in Wigan. It was not a very good day for photos, in fact it was raining as usual so I only took my small camera. Some of the market stall holders hadn't bothered to open up. It is a shame to see all the chewing gum on the pavements, it doesn't seem too long ago that it was all cleaned up.

Wigan - in search of the 'Nightspot'

Anya is used to walking around London at night taking the odd photo on her way so it was suggested that we go into Wigan one evening. Below is the only photo I feel able to include of the centre of the town as it was absolutely dead, not a person in sight, all galleries, shops and coffee bars firmly locked up.

At last we found the sign but where is the night life?

The pier was deserted apart from two passing ducks.

Even the pub was almost empty, I think the two customers were taking it in turn to come outside for a smoke and seemed really embarrassed when confronted by two people with cameras.

The most movement I managed to capture was the traffic passing in front of Gordon Fords.

Blackpool 27th March

Everyone who knows me knows how much I just love Blackpool!!!! With Anya and Sarah there was no getting out of this one but I thought - armed with camera I may feel differently about the place so off we trundled. Unfortunately there are a lot of alterations taking place in Blackpool at the moment so it was difficult to get near the prom, there were barriers and ropes everywhere but not one workman in site! We did however breach their defences to take these photos and - no - I did not go for a paddle.

In the morning we went to the water park where I was persuaded to go on a water slide - just a gentle one - oh yes - gentle by whose standards?!! The nice man at the top told me to hang on but I am sure he added "for dear life" just as he pushed me over the edge. On the first turn I spun around and went the rest of the way down backwards. I decided to enjoy the pool and the wave effects after that experience and thought it wise to let the others go off and have fun on the other slides. Us oldies know our place!

Part of the offending slide!

After a fish and chip lunch we went for a walk on the beach. Well what else but donkeys do you expect on Blackpool beach -

Thomas loved them too except that his had to answer the call of nature in the middle of the ride - obviously this has been censored!

Then we couldn't go without looking at the rock -

and sweets -

Oh and the trams are back in circulation having been cleaned up etc.

Audition for Nancy but where is Andrew?

Recognize me?

The day was completed with ice creams, gulls included in the feast.

Don't know how this one could fly off after that feast.

I absolutely refuse to go anywhere near this ride but it's good to watch the other fools who do go on it. In fact now that there is a charge to go into the pleasure beach I will probably never go in there again!

Canal bank Burscough

Took my friend's dog for a walk along the canal bank the other day. This was where we started off, at first it was as expected - a relaxing stroll in the sunshine.

We watched a few ducks, well I watched but I think Molly wanted to play with them! Then accross the road we noticed the farmer working in his field.

Then there were two!

Then along came a third accompanied by a train.




Then to finish off we had a fly past. Don't let anyone tell me Burscough is a quiet place!!

This was taken in the drive a few days ago, not a really good photo but I do like the colours.

Wild birds feeding time at Pennington Flash, Leigh, Wigan

Well no Jess wasn't with us at Pennington Flash but she wanted to be here to guard the birds below! I don't think the birds will need much introduction. I think my favourites have to be the two of the thrush. It is lovely to see all the wild birds feeding just feet away from you. Unfortunately the Great Spotted Woodpecker didn't really come within range and the Blue Tits were so fast I didn't get a good one of them either! Never mind there is always next time. Thanks Sarah for showing me around.

Southport / Blackpool

Went for a ride today and ended up in Southport so here are a few photos! The weather was a mixture of sun, wind and hail so it was not fit to be out of the car for too long.

This is Blackpool as seen from Southport!

Graffiti found in the bike and skate board park in Southport. They do say that graffiti is art but unfortunately most of this has been spoilt with extra doodles.

The railway station at Southport?

As we arrived home there was one almighty storm and this is how our garden looked -