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Published: August 2nd 2014
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Friday
Light rain overnight which just covered the ground and luckily had stopped by 8am. Good breakfast again today to set us off on an easier day around the Morecambe Bay. Cycling around the marshes by Meathop to Levens was very tranquil and traffic free. Arnside was a gem with lovely panoramic views of the bay enhanced by the railway bridge from Grange. A compulsory coffee stop was called for with exquisite scones with jam. Unfortunately this was followed by several stiff climbs to Silverdale before the descent to Carnforth where we followed the estuary around to the south of the town. From here we picked up the canal through Hest Bank to Morecambe where we saw a predatory heron and a swan coasting at the side with its reflection shining in the water beneath. Everyone kept on the towpath and avoided wobbling into the brink, even when passing the many dogs being exercised. Just a short section of busy road separated us from Morecambe promenade which took us past colourful boats and dinghies down to the Eric Morecambe statue, where we had a group photograph. Lunch then at the cafe at the south end by the Battery Pub of
healthy food of sandwiches and paninis. The Heysham nuclear power station came into view as we continued along the prom and to the old village of Heysham. The sun was now breaking through and it was time to take off our wind proof jackets before heading for Sunderland Point. Luckily the tide was low and we were able to ride along the road, which can be submerged for up to 4 hours at high tide. Sunderland Point was a major port over 200 years ago and was a significant slave trading point with regular auctions and many going to the Lake District and large mill towns. We went to visit the grave of Sambo, who was reputed to be a black slave working as personal servant to a captain of a slave trading ship. He came from the West Indies and died of some unknown disease whilst in the port and was buried on the north side of the point just back from the beach. On the way back across the flats was a car with a caravan in tow with a wheel dropped off and blocking the road. The driver was waiting for assistance and hoping to be off
before the high tide caught home out. I wish him luck and a wheel brace to keep his wheel nuts tight in future. The cycle way then took us into Lancaster over the Millenium Bridge before dropping us off to fight our way through town along some red coloured Tarmac on the edge of the busy roads. The big shock was when we got to the Travel lodge and found that I had been allocated double bedded rooms. Not so good for the 4 gents on the trip who had to share rooms and now beds as well. Fun! I had insisted on the phone that I wanted two doubles and 3 twins only for the confirmation to have 5 doubles and I did not check it. Donkey. However, an extra duvet down the king size bed seemed to please an otherwise pleasant hotel. The highlight was an evening meal in Weatherspoons next door at a great price and quality. Roll on breakfast.
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