Burscough

25 June - 1 July

James change of food is proving successful and things are getting back to normal - fortunate with Frank and June about to join me.  I travel down to Burscough which seems a very suitable place to pick my friends up and for them to leave their car.

Interesting home made boat on the way, with a piano on the stern - or is it the bow!

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The entrance to the Rufford branch which leads to the River Ribble link, providing access to the Lancaster canal.  Boats can only pass for a couple of hours either side of high tide so access is restricted and has to be booked.  I tried twice but there were no vacancies until September.

Very attractive cottages by the side of the lock.

Frank & June arrive safely.  We have an excellent meal at the Blue Mallard on Friday evening - the early bird special, with two courses for £12.95.  I had chicken livers followed by belly of pork and it was superb.  June reckoned it was the best meal she had ever had.  I had intended to have a pump out before they arrived but have not been able to find any facilities so first on the agenda is travelling down to Scarisbrick Marina, whom I have phoned to check they can do a pumpout.  Unfortunately when we arrive, most of the staff have gone to a boat festival and will not be back until late tomorrow.  The only person who can operate it is the chef - the two occupations do not go well together!  He is kind enough to agree to do it after he comes off duty at 4pm.  We take the opportunity to have an excellent breakfast at the marina cafe before travelling down to the Ship Inn for some lunchtime refreshment.

Frank enjoyed the power to stop the traffic at the powered swing bridges - he managed to hold up 17 cars at one.

Pump out complete, gas replenished and diesel topped up, we travel back to the Farmers Arms, just before Burscough, to moor up for the night and enjoy the best burgers I have had since America.

 

Coffee break

On Sunday we stop temporarily at Burscough to take the car into Southport, where I want to visit the 3 shop in yet another attempt to get my internet dongle working.  I get yet another sim card to try.

We moor for the night at the Ring O,Bells pub and enjoy another splendid meal.  Frank and June cannot believe the quality of English pubs, compared to Scotland - fortunately they have all been good ones! 

Frank does very well at the tiller - he says it is just like reversing artics!

Back at Burscough on Monday night for them to make an early start on Tuesday morning to travel home - but not before another visit to the Farmers Arms for another helping of burgers!

It has been lovely having them and I think they enjoyed their time on the boat:

Frank's favourite occupation

June's favourite occupation

26 miles; 0 locks; 14 moveable bridges
TOTAL:  409 miles (112 miles broad, 40 miles river); 167 locks (31 broad); 31 moveable bridges