Burrs Country Park Caravan Club Site. 12th - 16th October

We took just over an hour to get to Burrs Country Park CC site.  As it was fully booked for the weekend we were surprised at the number of pitches available when we arrived at one thirty. We were fortunate enough to get one on the top rank with a clear view of the railway.  As it was a Diesel spectacular weekend this would ensure we had a good view of the trains.

We have been to this site several times before so I am not going to repeat myself, except to say it is rather good, although on the expensive side. We notice this even more now that we stay on CL sites at about £10.00 to £14.00 per night including electric.  Burrs court is £20.00 a night!
On Friday evening we met up with Cathy, Robert and the boys  for an excellent dinner. Robert is certainly an excellent Chef!

On Saturday morning Lizzie and I went down to Bury's famous market. It was really crowded, so Lizzie was wheeled round.  We spent very little, although we did admire some of the items on sale that you do not see down south.  The meat, bacon and sausages that we bought were really good.

Then it was back to camp to watch trains!

In the evening we went out with Cathy, Robert and the boys to a local restauraunt.

On the next pitch to us was this motorhome!

This was one of the biggest motor home I have ever seen on a site in the UK.  It was huge!  On each sides were 'slideouts' which made the living  space even bigger. Accompanying it was a BMW.  Both vehicles had consecutive registration numbers.

Sunday was a quiet day, spent reading and watching trains.  This was my favourite one!

I remember building Airfix models of these!

On Monday, after a proper breakfast we set off for Snake Pass, in the Nortern Peak District.  the views were spectacular.

Before we left though this steam train appeared and I was able to capture it as a back drop to our pitch.

When we reached Snake Pass we headed for Derwent water.  Lizzie took some spectacular photographs!

Derwent Water was where the Dam Busters practiced during the preparation for their famous raids.

We returned to the caravan, and then had dinner with Cathy and Rob. Superb Liver!

Overnight on the Monday it got really windy.  One of our awning poles snapped, but fortunately no other damage so that will easilly repaired!

This was our first trip out with our newly insulated heating system. I have to say that the improvement was amazing.  We actually got the loo and shower room warmer than the main part of the caravan!

We cleared up in the morning. Robert called in to say farewell, as we are unlikely to see him until the new year.
The journey home took just over 4 hours. Not bad for 190 miles towing a caravan!

Now to plan our next trip, as we hope to go away again at least twice before Christmas!

Birley Arms CL, Warton. 9th to 12th October

Well we decided that we would like to see the sites around Blackpool, particularly the Illuminations. It took us about 4 hours to drive up to Warton. The site was a small one behind the Birley Arms Hotel and pub.  Each pitch was a hard standing with grass for the awning.  Each pitch was separated from the adjacent ones by 6 foot high panel fencing. Also each pitch had its own water and electric conections. Each pitch was also supplied with a picnic bench to sit at. The hotel also had free Wi-Fi, that was available on the caravan site.
We set up and turned the power on.  It briefly flashed and then went off. I popped over to the hotel to tell them, and was told that it was only a 10amp supply, rather than the more usual 16amp one. The staff in the hotel laughed though saying it was always happening. The reasons for it only being 10amp, was because of the  people who had been leaving electric fires burning all day in their awnings.

On the Wednesday morning we decided to take a leisurely drive along the coast through Lytham to Blackpool. Spotted this Sitfire in a park there.

We drove through the Blackpool to the north of the town, where we parked up in a side street.  Then it was time to ride one of their super-duper new trams.  It cost all of £2.00 to travel 11 stops, as I was able to use my bus pass.  (there are some advantages of being an old wrinkly).

We alighted at the Tower, and then wandered along the front, marvelling at just how tacky a place could be. Now remember we were there on a Wednesday in the middle of a cold October, and the place was exceedingly busy. What it must be like at the weekend I cannot imagine.

A burger and chips for a late lunch in one of the numerous cafes, and then more wandering before visiting one of the piers, to play on the 2p slider machines.

Then another Tram ride along the front back to the car.  Each of the trams was served by a driver and two conductors.

We then found ourselves an award winning fish and chip shop for a relaxed tea, whilst we waited for it to get dark.  The lights are only on from the end of August to the 4th of November. They go on during the week at dusk until about midnight.

As 7.00pm approached we joined a queue, ready to proceed along the admiring the illuminations. It took us an hour to travel the length of the front, just under 7 miles.
The lights in places could be described as impresive, whereas in one or two places they were a bit thin. Overall though I have to say that they were impressive.

Lots of displays like this.

This was a tram, travelling along.

The lights proved difficult tophotograph, so this came from the official Blackpool website.

On Thursday we decided to go to the other side of the estuary to visit Southport. Pleasant enough drive there, but I have to say that we were rather unimpressed. A large desolate area of mud flats, and nothing else of interest along the front.  We then drove through the town, plenty of individual shops, and lots of impressive houses.  Looked like quite a wealthy place.  As it was raining though we did not stop.

Friday morning saw us clear up and set off for our next stop at Burrs Court.