. . . and finish at Burscough

Tuesday 4th June 2019

After a damp night we decided to wait until the drippy rain eased off. Cooked brekkie and a late start before setting off at 10:00 to go through Deep lock.

We had light drizzle at both ends of the trip but we escaped the rain that was forecast. That arrived just G set off the fetch the car from Acton Bridge.

As we cruised along the Leeds and Liverpool canal we were intrigued by a field planted with a crop of some sort, neatly aligned in two rows per sheet of protective plastic – unfortunately we have no idea what they are. The nearest we could guess from the leaves and stalks was nasturtium but we dont think someone is likely to grow a whole field of them.

Today we started our “Save the planet when you eat your chips” campaign. As we arrived at Burscough I spotted three schoolboys sat on a bench scoffing chips. I decided immediately what we were having for lunch and set off into the village to find the chippy WITH MY PLASTIC FOOD BOX (other Tupperware is available). “One large portion of chips in here please” was met by the Chipista reaching for a polystyrene tray. “No thanks, straight into the plastic box please”. He served the chips, most puzzled and then asked “WHY?”. He immediately got it and smiled. He admitted it was an unusual request, so come on chip eaters; lets make it usual to get take-outs in re-useable non-disposable containers. Doesn’t save on washing up unless . . . . you eat your grub straight from the container (I bet you do that anyway ;^)

Graham’s car retrieval trip was a long one, in heavy rain, via Ormskirk, St Helens and Warrington. Unfortunately he came a cropped on a diesel soaked roundabout and managed to rip the knee of his waterproof trousers. On his return we set off for a visit to the Hop Vine at the top of the village. They brew their own beers, declared good by G, his favourite being only £2.90p a pint. The food we saw being served there looked good too – and with a doggy-box available if you didn’t eat all your dinner. A very friendly and comfortable pub.

Brenda