Arriving in Cumbria

Well here I am at the beginning of another adventure. Phase one of my tour of the north of England is underway. Actually it isn’t really that grand, but it sounds impressive.

I had set off with my family early this morning, straight up the M40, M6 and M42 to the most southerly end of the Lake District. For such incredibly busy roads, it was a surprisingly easy journey. Everyone seemed to be heeding the Government’s advice and not travelling unless absolutely necessary.

Then, heralded by police cars, a wall of trucks appeared with lights flashing and horns blaring.

Yesterday truck drivers for Shell petrol stations went on strike, and the media were warning of dire fuel shortages and panic buying. This morning we heard there was to be a protest on our route, against the high price of diesel. Ever had the feeling you should just stay at home?

As it happened we did see the protest; heading south down the other carriage way. The first thing we had noticed was that all the traffic had vanished. Then, heralded by police cars, a wall of trucks appeared with lights flashing and horns blaring. Sadly there didn’t seem to be a very large turn out – hardly worth the effort really! In fact they were rather badly outnumbered by all the people watching it from the bridges over the motorway. Perhaps they were here to see the non-existent spectacle, or simply waiting to be allowed back onto the road. Apparently the police had blocked all the slip roads.

In all, the journey only took us six hours; albeit with lots of breaks. My brother had arrived before us and found a very attractive headland overlooking Morecombe Bay, to park up and wait until we could move into our caravan. We joined him and sat eating our picnic in the car (well it’s a Great British tradition!). As we ate, I noticed some bird watchers staring at a fixed point on the cliff above us. So I dug out my binoculars and followed suit. A peregrine falcon! Okay it was sound asleep, but it was still the fastest bird on earth.

In the end we realised there was a whole family up there. An adult bird was ripping something apart and feeding it to an unseen chick, whilst another almost fledged youngster shuffled in and out of view.

Eventually we had to drag ourselves away and head for our final destination; Lakeside Caravan Park in Flockburgh. It was a massive sprawling Haven campsite right on the edge of Morcombe Bay. Unfortunately the shop left quite a bit to be desired. But it did make up for it a bit later by selling some great fish and chips.

Later in the evening Mum and I walked through the neighbouring gold course to see what wildlife we could find. It was a fascinating place, full of WWII building and defences. Frustratingly we couldn’t find a way through to the bay. I had to go right back to the main entrance before I could find a coastal path. By this time the tide was in, but still well beyond reach through low, desolate salt marshes. Behind me were distant hills and mountains – the dark forbidding presence of the Lake District.