Sunny Sign

Weekends seem to be blip time for me at the moment and then back blips at that. I had resolved to post at least 3 -Fri, Sat, Sun but as with all things - make plans but never plan on your plans.

Fri was supposed to be an image of the outdoor performance of Pride and Prejudice at Lytham Hall. The play went ahead despite the grey skies and showers but it was just to much effort to get out the camera from all the waterproof kit. It was a very British thing to do ' the Dunkirk Spirit' kicked in sat in the rain in full waterproofs, glass of wine in hand. Full marks to the players for a thoroughly entertaining evening. If you get chance, see it, its touring the country.The dates

Sat was a day of complete contrast. It was re-invented Leyland Festival day and any self respecting Leylander gets out of town!

We have had a mind to do a trip on the train to Arnside and Silverdale for a while with a walk inbetween the two stations along the coast. It takes about 15 mins longer on the train to get there than driving but at only £15.20 on the family rail card for 3 bodies it is probably cheaper than the cost of petrol.

The beauty of the train is that you can do a linear walk and take in all the best spots. For those that know it we set off along the coast from Arnside towards New Barns Bay visiting Grubbins Wood, then ascended up the slopes of Arnside Knott to visit the fabulous wildflower meadows on Heathwaite, then back thru the woods to the coastal path at Arnside point where we sat in the sun for a pleasant picnic, always keeping an eye out for the red wood ants. We then visited the beach at Far Arnside to have a look at the fossil corals (430MYA) in the exposed limestone slabs. We then skirted the lower slopes of Heathwaite to Saul's Drive on Arnside Knott. No butterflies unfortunately probably too cool and too windy. Then past the ruined Arnside Peel Tower, then Silverdale Cove, round by Jenny Brown's Point and onto Leighton Moss RSPB Reserve for tea and cake. If you go by public transport to the reserve you can get in free on producing your tickets. Bit of switch back route of 9-10 miles but a great mix of paths and habitats. Delighted to say that all the trains ran to time and all connections were made.

My Mum treated us to fish pie for tea in exchange for cutting her front garden hedge.

Sunday was supposed to be a relaxing day. Father in law with card and chocolates for fathers day, then off to local farmers market to stock up the larder and freezer then pleasant tea of roast pheasant breast with all the trimmings. I'll spare you the details but we ended up in Preston Royal Hospital with FiL he'd had a minor stroke sometime Sat evening Sunday morning and hadn't recognised the symptoms . He's ok but may have to spent a couple of days under observation. We did manage the pheasant for tea though.