Southey was looking longingly out of the window, when Allen and Tetley strolled in. "Your Lake District magazine has arrived", said Tetley, handing it over.
"Oh, thanks pal. I look forward to reading the articles."
"You are looking a bit down in the paw", remarked Allen. "What's the matter pal."
"It's just that we have not been walking for a month now."
"It's been a combination of things", replied Tetley. Dad has had other commitments. The weather has been pretty poor too, and there is the ongoing problem with Dad's hamstring."
"I know", sighed Southey. "We don't really want to put pressure on Dad to walk as it might hamper recovery.
Just then the sight of Shaun, Grizzly and Little Eric arriving with the flasks and cake tins cheered us up, especially our arch tea belly and cake stuffer Allen.
"Tea!" he cried. "Gorgeous tasty Ramblears blend."
Southey got the mugs and soon they were charged with steaming tea. "I feel better already", as he took a sip.
Grizzly had opened the tins. "Little Eric has made chocolate caramel shortbread. While I have made peach and apricot slice."
"Two of my favourites" cheered Tetley.
So there was quiet as we tucked into the delicious fare. "Scrumptious Little Eric", said Allen taking his third piece.
"And your contribution too, Grizzly", called out Southey, who was on his third piece too. "Just keeping up with Allen", he went on. "We are both real cake stuffers."
Little Eric had the iPad in paw. "The weather looks good for Thursday, and Dad has no commitments. Do you think we might get to walk?"
"I'll go and ask", said Allen, "But we need a suggestion first."
After a little thought, Shaun said, "how about the route from the level crossing at Hest Bank. We could suggest cutting out the section via Crag Bank, by joining the canal from the layby near the entrance to the caravan park."
"Sounds like a plan", agreed Tetley.
Allen drained his mug. "Right I'll see what Dad thinks."
"Thanks pal", said Grizzly. "We'll refill your mug for the fourth time for when you get back."
"Thank you."
He returned shortly, crying, "Yes yes yes. We are going." Then said, "thanks pal", as he accepted the steaming mug of tea.
"Great", cheered Southey, now with a broad smile on his face. "Roll on Thursday."
The day was overcast and rather gloomy, the views across the Bay being poor. We had to wait for a passing train to get over the level crossing to the rough parking area.
As Dad got ready we looked about. "There's one of those bird sculptures that are dotted around the Bay area", pointed Southey.
Striding out we followed the Lancashire Coastal Path, towards Red Bank, passing many other walkers mostly with dogs.
"It was off there that the terrible cockling disaster occurred", said Tetley. "5th February 2004. It does not seem that long ago. The Chinese cockle pickers were cut off by the incoming tide and at least 21 drowned. The gang masters were arrested tried and jailed."
"I remember going outside that evening and seeing the Sea King helicopter flying over and remarked to Uncle Brian "there's something amiss", only learning the next day the true horror of what happened. The crew from Morecambe RNLI were involved too of course."
"It must have been terrible for them. Used to saving lives, but having to bring so many dead bodies ashore", added Grizzly.
Just before Red Bank, Shaun indicated the stile onto it.
"There's a trig point at the top", said Little Eric. "Good place to sit for our picture."
To Allen's dismay there were sheep grazing. "Baa humbug" he shouted, "no sheep picture free story yet again.", as he saw Dad lining up the camera.
Descending the steps we entered Red Bank Farm, where there are caravans and also Archer's Cafe. "Look Santa", called out Shaun.
"Lovely", said Tetley.
Continuing we passed the row of houses called The Shore, and then along the embankment and track to Wild Duck Hall, that is part of a livery stables.
A tarmac lane skirts to the left, marked ''Private Road to Bolton Homes Farm'.
Looking to the distance Allen called out, "there's the slag bank, which we explored with Uncle Eric."
We entered The Bay View caravan park owned by Holgates, at Bolton Homes Farm, and followed the footpath signs guiding walkers. There are many permanent caravans, Grizzly saying, "it is huge. I've thought about how many caravans there must be, on the many times we have walked through here. Hundreds!" This picture shows just a small part of the site.
Down to the entrance barrier and then up towards the A6. "If we were doing the full route, we would have gone down that track", pointed Shaun.
Today we continued to the A6. "Walk left then cross to the layby, and up the slope behind onto the canal towpath", instructed Southey.
"There's a cruiser approaching", pointed Allen. "We called out "hello", and waved to the owner. Then Dad got this shot as it made to pass under the bridge.
Turning right we strolled the towpath. "That will make a nice shot of the canal with the reflections", said Little Eric.
This was the way now via Bolton le Sands and on to Hest Bank, passing lots of walkers, some with their dogs.
"Now that will be a good picture, with the bare tree reflected through the arch of the bridge", said Tetley.
"Aye lad", Dad replied hauling out the camera.
Another 10 minutes or so brought us to the A6 bridge with its fancy balustrade.
"There are some stone panels in the centre. They will likely contain information about when it was built etc.", said Grizzly.
"Ok lad, we'll go and have a look."
These revealed that it is Townend Bridge and that it was built in 1926.
Onwards these two swans sailed stately by....
...the parents of these young now nearly fully grown.
We strolled on and on, coming to this house at Hest Bank with canal frontage and lots of festive figures lounging about. "Super", cried Little Eric.
Here we left the canal seeing the moored cruisers.
On the far side is the Hest Bank Hotel. "Ahh happy memories", remarked Dad. "When I first came to live in Morecambe this was my regular place for a few beers."
Along then right down Station Road, we crossed the main road to the level crossing and the car. "That building was Hest Bank station", said Grizzly. "The station was opened by the Lancaster and Carlisle Railway along with the line in 1846. It continued to serve the village until closure in 1969."
At the car we dived inside ready to have our picnic and warming mugs of tea.
Allen pointed, "The Shore Cafe is open."
"Aye lad I plan to have lunch there."
Dad had breakfast, and then fruit scone with butter. A pot of tea, with extra hot water being provided, without needing to ask. "it was all very nice", he told us afterwards.
As we drove home, Little Eric asked, worriedly, "how was your leg."
"A bit painful to be honest, but I'm glad to have got our in the fresh air. Will try do another walk soon."
"That would be great", cheered Southey.
