Where did the time go?

Events took over my life as you will see as you read on!
I spent 7 days (from 8 June) at Hest Bank in lovely sunny weather. After retrieving the car from Tewitfield and another visit from Lesley and Louise when we had lunch and a walk in Morecombe, I spent a lot of the time visiting and walking in the area. A day walking in Silverdale, Arndale then on to Grange over Sands was most enjoyable. Another trip to Kendal, also to Sizergh castle - where it rained all day so postponed the planned walk, went to Windermere and the World of Peter Rabbit - superb furry animals in book settings. The next day I walked the filled in the canal to within a couple of miles of Kendal. Then I learnt that my dear Uncle Charlie who had been in a hospice for respite had worsened and would probably not be going home , I kept in constant touch.

I dragged myself away from the wonderful Hest Bank and then had another day and night in Lancaster, lovely town and market but the shops are rather smaller than you would expect. On 16 June I went on to Galgate (top of Glasson branch) for a couple of days. On 18 June I had moored in lovely countryside when I was told that my uncle had deteriorated further. On Saturday 19 June I took the boat to Garstang Marina - I had planned to leave it here the following week as my children had planned a special birthday family BBQ weekend in Kent. At 11.40 I left the marina (the owner kindly having taken me to collect my car from Galgate) and drove to Kent. At 8.30pm I was able to visit my uncle who was now very poorly. I stayed with my aunt, visiting the hospice every day. Sadly Charlie died on the Tuesday but after helping her with the necessary funeral plans etc, Aunt Erica was most insistent that I went to my son's house on the Thursday as planned.

On Saturday (most of my children now camping in son Graham's garden) we all drove to the planned pub meal. On the way we made an emergency stop for grandson to use facilities in the village hall - I was taken in also and found myself at my own surprise birthday party, surrounded by family and friends from school, youth club, ex work colleagues and a few boaters - I HAD ABSOLUTELY NO IDEA !!! What a wonderful day I had. Next day we had the planned family BBQ! A fabulous weekend with fanatastic weather, sadly followed by the funeral on Monday which dear Erica had organised quickly so those travelling to attend the party could easily go to the service. I stayed on a few days as my birthday was mid week and finally returned to the boat on Sunday 4 July.

I then had 11 days before I left the Lancaster Canal. Strong wind prevented me from leaving the marina but on Monday evening I was in the lovely Garstang town. Tuesday I had a dentist appointment to keep near daughter's, Wednesday caught up with food shopping etc and on Thursday after attending the local market I had a drive to Fleetwood and Blackpool.

On Friday 9 I cruised back to Galgate and on Saturday morning I walked 3miles down locks in light rain showers to Glasson Dock (we hadn't been able to stay overnight 5 weeks ago). Had another good walk around plus delicious mussels for lunch at the Dalton Arms by the dock. Walked back up to boat in constant rain - but it is a very pretty flight - the wild flowers were gorgeous.

Today Sunday 11 is very windy and pretty cool so can catch up with a few jobs. On Monday will find that country mooring again before returning to Garstang. Chris and Mary arrive on Thursday and we have a 10.52 appointment at the Ribble Link. I am really sorry to be leaving and do hope, once again, that this is not my last visit up here!!!