Today we started heading back South, having reached the northernmost point of our Grand Tour. Leaving behind the rush of traffic on the M6, it was an altogether quieter scene on the Lancaster canal.
I’ve heard of buildings with living roofs, but have never seen a boat with one until today! Aptly painted green, it was well camouflaged apart from the bright red toadstools.
There were a few narrow and twisty bends to steer around, and Sarah hasn’t lost her touch after a week away from Oliver. As it always seems, the few oncoming boats we met appeared when going around a corner.
We didn’t have far to go to reach Carnforth, our destination for the day. Despite arriving early though, there were very few places left to moor. We had the choice of opposite the petrol station and close to the road, or a bit further from the road but right by the pub. We went for the pub option – and only just squeezed in front of the slipway.
Safely moored, we then headed for the Carnforth Station Heritage Centre. The train station is most famous for being the setting of the film Brief Encounter, with the clock a central feature. They were continuously screening the film, but also had lots of other exhibits about the town, the station, the age of steam and such.
We used Sarah’s selfie-stick so we could get ourselves and the clock in together – though clearly I need more practice so I don’t get my hand in shot too!
There was even a carriage window replica so we could recreate a scene from the film… but I was more impressed with their cakes, which were delicious!
Suitably replenished, we slowly meandered back to Oliver via Tesco, to enjoy the warmth and sunshine of the early evening whilst reading the paper.