Southey was looking at the iPad, and mumbling under his breath.
"What's the matter?". asked Tetley.
"Well the last time we walked was in Northumberland, over two weeks ago and as yet there does not seem to be another one in prospect."
"Since we got back Dad has been busy as usual with lots of commitments, so we will just have to be patient."
Allen was looking over Southey's shoulder. "there does seem to be some free days next week, so if we come up with and idea, I will see what Dad says."
"Aww pal", you are the expert at persuading Dad", replied Tetley.
Allen said, "the thing is my brain works better with tea and cakes.
"Ha ha", bellowed Tetley, and laughing. "Just the thing I expected from you tea belly and cake stuffer extroidinaire."
His wishes were granted with the arrival of Shaun with the flasks and Grizzly and Little Eric with the cake tins.
"Oh wonderful", cheered Allen, getting the mugs and plates.
The former were soon charged and Allen had downed half his mug in one go.
"You must have a cast iron stomach" said Little Eric, taking a sip of his mug of hot tea. "As for cakes, Grizzly has done Chorley Cakes. I have made chocolate caramel shortbread."
"Lovely", called out Tetley. "One of my favourites."
So all was well as we tucked in. Southey said, "love the Chorley cakes. Quite delicious."
"So is the caramel shortbread", added Tetley.
"Ha", said Little Eric. "I can see. You are even beating Allen today."
Southey brought the subject back to walking. "An idea is needed so we can get Allen to see what Dad says."
There was quiet while we thought on the subject. Grizzly was looking at the website, and said, "I can't really believe that it is over 6 years since we did the walk from Potts Corner to Sunderland. How about we suggest that. Not too far for Dad to drive either."
"Hmm, yes", agreed Tetley. "But I recall we had difficulties on the second park as there was no way out of a field."
Now Shaun picked up the iPad and navigated to the OS Maps app. The problem was after Marsh Lea, as we headed towards Middleton. Instead we can take the footpath left behind Trumley Farm to reach Carr Lane. It will make the walk a little shorter, and be a variation from last time."
"Sounds good", said Allen, draining his mug. Then checking the weather forecast said, "how about I suggest next Tuesday."
"Ok pal. Good luck", said Grizzly.
As usual our pal was successful. "Dad is happy with the suggestion and the alternative route. And Tuesday is fine."
"Great", cheered Southey.
The following week there was a day put to one side for a walk with Uncle Eric. These days he does not want to do such long distances, so Dad suggested this walk. We were quite happy to repeat it. Whilst the majority of the pictures relate to the day on our own, Dad took the camera today as well and we have included a few to further illustrate the route.
From Middleton we took the winding Carr Lane that ends at Middleton Sands, with rough parking at what is known as Potts Corner.
"I wonder what the origin of the name is?", mused Little Eric.
Grizzly replied, "the Internet is silent on the matter. But my thought is that a family called Potts lived here or owned the land."
On both occasions the tide was out and there was a wide expanse of sand. "Look", pointed Tetley. "The cows have streamed out on to the beach."
The Fylde coast forms the backdrop and if you look carefully towards the left of the picture you will spot a needle like structure. That is the famous Blackpool Tower.
On the day with Uncle Eric, we were there early. Our pals Barnaby and Lee always come along to see Uncle Eric. "Is there time for us all to have our picture taken?", said Lee.
"Sure" said Dad. "Come and get settled."
l-r Shaun, Allen, Lee with Little Eric, Barnaby with Grizzly, Southey and Tetley
Uncle Eric arrived soon after and Barnaby and Lee went to say "hello."
"Nice to see you", he replied.
Then ready for the off on both the days, Shaun pointed, "we head out along that track."
Meandering, this led to a gate. Southey instructed, "the route is past those boulders to continue along the coast."
Walking with Uncle Eric, he mentioned, "I feel sure we walked this path but in the opposite direction on a walk from Overton. We saw a very dilapidated body of an old tram."
Suddenly Allen called out, "there it is."
Quite soon we came to the gate onto The Lane that leads to the houses of Sunderland.
Spotting this sign...
Allen called out, "I know we have been there before a few times, but let's go and see Sambo's Grave again."
Through the gate, first we passed this building.
"What's this?". asked Little Eric.
It was explained by the metal plate at the entrance.
"I have some notes", said Grizzly. "The chamber was constructed from hundreds of reclaimed building stones unearthed at the former port settlement here at Sunderland. The sculpture resembles and upturned boat. Inside a self-contained lens inverts the outside world onto the chamber's lime plastered walls, capturing the sea and its changing conditions, the rich bird life and the unique light of the Bay in a transformed perspective. The sculpture is intended to encourage us to meditate on Morecambe Bay's evolving environment."
"Thank you, pal", replied Tetley. "Always adding interest to our day."
A short stroll brought us to the walled enclose containing Sambo's Grave.
"So poignant and peaceful", mused Southey. "I love all the decorated pebbles some with messages, and coins too."
Grizzly read from the large information panel that has been installed since our last visit. "Lancaster was the fourth most significant British port involved in the Atlantic slave trade. Thousands of enslaved Africans were transported from West Africa across the Atlantic to America and the West Indies by Lancaster owned ships between the early 1700s and 1807, when the Slave Trade was finally abolished for all British vessels. Slaves were rarely seen openly in Britain, but slave produced sugar tobacco and rum were goods frequently shipped back to Lancaster along with mahogany for the town's thriving cabinet making industry. Lancaster owned merchant ships would be berthed at Sunderland for loading and unloading when shallow waters and shifting sandbanks prevented manoeuvre of ships higher up the river."
"Now about Sambo", he went on. "'Sambo' was the generic name given to a male slave who arrived by ship at Sunderland Point in 1736 from the West Indies, as 'servant' of the ship's captain."
"The Lonsdale Magazine of 1822 carried his story:
'After she had discharged her cargo, he was placed in the inn...
No 11 First Terrace, formerly the Ship Inn
...with the intention of remaining there on board wages till the vessel was ready to sail; but supposing himself to be deserted by the master, without being able, and probably from his ignorance of the language, to ascertain the cause, he fell into a complete state of stupefaction, even to such a degree that he secreted himself in the loft of the brewhouse...
Upsteps Cottage, 1 The Lane, formerly the brewhouse of the Ship Inn
...and stretching himself out at full length on the bare boards refused all sustenance. He continued in this state only a few days, when death terminated the suffering of poor Samboo. As soon as Samboo's exit was known to the sailors who happened to be there, they excavated him a grave in a lonely dell in a rabbit warren behind the village, within twenty yards of the sea shore, whither they conveyed his remains without either coffin of bier, being covered only with the clothes in which he died'"
"How sad", said Shaun, as we contemplated what Grizzly had read out.
Grizzly then added some final words from the panel, "the grave marks the burial of a man known only as 'Sambo'. It serves as a grim reminder of the cruel exploitation of enslaved people."
"Whilst this terrible Slave Trade was ended in 1807, the trafficking and exploitation of people still goes on today", said Tetley.
"Yes lad. They are some of the very worst criminals", agreed Dad.
Backtracking it was now right and along The Lane.
"There's a seat", called out Little Eric. "Let's sit for our picture."
The tiny community of Sunderland, is cut off each day by the tide. We were at First Terrace, and looking to our right lies Second Terrace.
Strolling along First Terrace, Little Eric called out, "there's the post box, dating from the reign of Queen Elizabeth II. Please take a picture for my collection."
"Look", pointed Southey. "That is a quite beautiful carriage with four horses."
Dad went over and chatted to the gentleman from a local farm. They talked about the local area now and in times past. He knew where we lived, as he grew up around there, long before the houses were built. He was accompanied by three young ladies, who climbed aboard as the horses made their stately way along the road.
Shaun issued instructions. "left along this track by the house, then across the grass and over the ladderstile in the hedge."
The boggy field was crossed to the footbridge by an electricity pylon. "The route is now ahead via more footbridges", advised Shaun..
Dad commented, "due to the rainy year they are lost amongst the verdant vegetation, so I'll keep to the grassy track by the side of the fields that leads through gaps."
At a cross track, Shaun said, "we need to cross to the left side of the hedge, to the next footbridge."
"Keep ahead to the ladderstile at the far side", said Southey.
Beyond, Southey then said, "it's over that ladderstile up onto the embankment, and then head towards Trailholme Farm."
Leaving the embankment by a ladderstile left we joined the surfaced track leading round Trailholme Farm. It became metalled and led to Marsh Lea.
"Along the access", pointed Shaun.
At its end a stile led into a field.
Shaun said, "last time, when we got lost, we went straight on. Today we are taking a different route, through the kissing gate left."
Over the hill the route led to a stile in the fence to the right at the far end of the pasture. Keeping to the left side the path led to this gate and ladderstile.
As Dad strode on, Allen called out, "there's a fine view of the Heysham Nuclear Power Stations." Then he added with a laugh, "where our electricity comes from."
Continuing round it was through the kissing gate into the yard of C&R Autos.
"I like that sign", pointed Little Eric
At the end of their access with this sign...
...we joined Carr Lane, and so walk left to reach Potts Corner.
"That was a very pleasant stroll and with the variation we have explored another part of the local area", said Tetley.
"Thank you Dad, as always", said Little Eric.
And on the day with Uncle Eric, Allen said, "thank you for your company.
"You are welcome lads. I have enjoyed it."
