True to say, I’ve totally forgotten to do a blog since May, shocking.
The highlight of our year was the birth of our 4th grandchild. Ada & Dale had their first baby, Astrid on the hottest day of the year in June. Astrid has changed so much since her birth and is becoming quite a little character.
Astrid had her first visit to
the pub for father’s day. We were surprised to see a beer named
after her.
We haven’t travelled very far as we stayed in and around Chorley awaiting the special arrival & then hung around for lots of cuddles.
In fact, we were forced to linger as Wigan flight of locks were closed for quite a few weeks due to a broken lock cill, and then a huge sinkhole appeared at the next lock down from the repair.
There were quite a few boats queueing to go down the locks as it was the popular summer cruising period. We headed down once the rush had gone. We had a VLK with us all the way and our friends Colin & Carole also came to help. Luckily, I’d prepared ahead & made lots of cakes.
In August, we went on holiday
with Heather, the three children & their dog to Langness
Lighthouse, Castletown on the Isle of Man. We travelled by ferry from
Heysham and back home to Liverpool.
We had a super 2 weeks and had some very wild weather, causing some spectacular waves on a usually quiet bit of coast.
The beach on the Langness peninsular is very rocky, which meant we spent loads of time rock pooling and paddling.
We loved travelling on the steam train, tram, mountain railway and buses.
It’s odd how we pick up hitch-hikers!!!
Magnus and Lance have been to stay a few times over the summer.
They are super cooks and engine room helpers.
Amazing tree climbers and bonfire stokers.
Brilliant crew. We caught up with two boats going up the locks on the Rufford Branch. Considering we had to empty each lock as the boats left it was thanks to our wee lads who managed one side of the locks.
After all their hard work, we needed to relax.
John’s elderflower wine was gorgeous and fairly strong at 17%abv!!!
Edmund & Joe came to help us down into Liverpool recently. The weather was dreadful, pouring rain & strong wind for the journey, which was such a shame as there’s so much to see. The weather did cheer up as the week went on.
We did some of the sights we’d previously visited, Mersey Ferry & the Philharmonic pub & the Anglican cathedral.
In addition, we explored some new sights, the catholic cathedral and a tour of the Liver Building. The views from the Liver Building were amazing.
Astrid had her first train ride to visit us in Salthouse Dock.
