Tonight is our last night on the Lancaster Canal.  Although we have had a wonderful time here and are a little sad to be going, we are now looking forward to the next part of the trip.  We are moored up about 2 miles from the top of the staircase lock, where we meet tomorrow at 11:15am to begin the trip back across the River Ribble to the main system.  Tonight's mooring is quiet, apart from the bleating of sheep and a couple of other boats moored nearby.  The Canal is a bit on the shallow side though and we are moored about 4 foot from the bank.

Tonight's mooring is a bit shallow!

Last evening's visitors

We enjoyed our stay in Garstang although it was so hot that we did not make it to Blackpool.  A good place to stay though and pass the time of day with other boaters.  Garstang, it turns out has a long history.  For anyone who is currently watching The White Queen, the ruined castle here was built by Lord Thomas Stanley, and was gifted to him by Henry VII for his part in the Battle of Bosworth Field.

Moorings at Garstang

Following our sojourn in Garstang we moved a few miles to Bilsborrow, where we had planned to have a meal at Owd Nell's, a lively pub that we visited for a drink on the way down.  We also decided to visit Blackpool from here as we did not get round to it before.  Couldn't get there directly so caught a bus to Preston and then another bus to Blackpool.  This was a rather circuitous route and we eventually arrived an hour and a half later.  Managed to get back by a more direct route.

Blackpool is looking pretty good and was busy and lively.  Due to the amount of time travelling took we didn't have that much time there. n Did all the essentials though: fish and chips on the seafront, ice cream on the pier and a paddle in the sea.  I got splashed by the waves and got soaked trousers.  Soon dried in the heat though.  Had a pleasant evening with good food at Owd Nell's when we got back.

Blackpool Tower

North Pier, Blackpool

Looking forward to tomorrow's crossing and then carrying on to Liverpool.  We are due to go into Salthouse Dock on Wednesday morning, which gives us three days to travel up to Liverpool where we have to wait to be escorted through the last two swing bridges and into the Docks.