We have checked the tides and decided that this is the day to try swimming at Southport. Because the sands extend so far out at low tide it is a walk of about half a mile before reaching the sea, let alone getting in to water deep enough to swim in even if that is only just over the knees.
Train to Southport, walk to the beach, find somewhere for my picnic while I watch my No2 is cavorting around in the water.

It is a good job that we are comfortable cruising between Parbold and Burscough as there is a problem with the Wigan flight which is unlikely to be resolved for a good few weeks.

At some time in the past I had been told that my skin tank hoses needed replacing as they were showing signs of wear so I contacted an engineer that I found on the web that covers this area and got him to come and replace the hoses. His day job is maintenance engineer on the oil rigs, so he should know his stuff.

There and back again to turn around. Well I say there and back, I didn't actually gt there as my engine was overheating badly. Managed to pull over just before the swing bridge nd rang RCR to come and fix it. Give them their due they were out in no time and found that the skin tank hoses not clamped properly and loosing water which is why the engine overheated. Fixed it in time for us to complete our planned journey.

Back to Parbold for a day or so.

It is a half hour bus journey to Ormskirk, where I do like to shop, from here, going through Burscough on the way.

But it is only a 23 minute journey to Asda at Skelmersdale for shopping. I do like a bit of variety and it gives me the chance to visit all these different places with such wonderful names.

I really must try to remember to do my Iceland shopping on a Tuesday when I get and extra 10% off my purchases. Iceland today to get the next 3 for £10 for fish offer.