Scuppered by the weather.

 Friday 24th 

A sunset last night gave a promise of a good day ahead, but the saying 'Red sky at night Shepherds delight' was totally wrong.

As mentioned in yesterdays post we wanted to see the Gormley Figures at Crosby. A number 53 bus was the one to catch and we were told the journey would take roughly 20 minutes. Armed with packed lunch, cameras (including our new toy) and waterproofs we left to catch the 9.34am bus. First bus came but the driver refused to let us on. It was 9.23am and before the accepted 9.30am travel for us bus passers. But the next bus arriving at 9.28am the driver gave us a nod suggesting we could proceed. Not knowing exactly where to get off it wasn't long before we realised that we had missed the stop. Crosby came and went and Ian had a word with the bus driver. He dropped us off at the next stop, pointed to the stop on the opposite side of the road and told us to take the next 53 bus from there making sure we asked the driver where to alight. Doing as we were told, we did get off at the right stop and a short walk later took us to the beach. The tide was right out so all the figures could be seen.

Ian in the dry and then in the wet.

Then the rain started and boy did it rain. We rushed back to the leisure centre on the beach front and decided to sit it out with a Cappuccino or two! Unfortunately it refused to let up so we abandoned the idea of waiting for the tide to come in to watch the figures disappear. Almost back at the bus stop and the 53 came into view so a sudden spurt was called for. This time we got off at the correct stop in Litherland and who should we see at the swing bridge? Sid looking very much like a drowned rat again!! Today 9 boats are expected to go into the dock so it will be a busy afternoon for Sid and the rest of the C&RT lads and what with the continuing rain, will be a miserable one.

This photo was taken during late afternoon. No more rain just lovely blue skies. Why did I take this?? Well health and safety would have a field day if they saw how these men got from cleaning the windows from one side of the row of houses to the next. 

Because the rain scuppered our day out we decided to try again tomorrow. The forecast is for an improving day with only light rain first thing.  Asking Sid if we could stay he told us these moorings were 14 day which, I must say, surprised us somewhat. These are really the only safe moorings until you get down to the dock. No wonder there is not a lot of boat movement from here.

And seen on the beach,

It got the Ragworm

Young Wagtail

  And on arrival back to FS during a lull in the rain a duck trying to shelter her ducklings. Had to go in through the front doors in case we disturbed her.

Then they left.