Day 55 of the End to End was my fifth day on the Lancaster canal and I was heading to Carnforth. Again the day started overcast and there was occasional light rain as I began at bridge 111. However, the path was easy which was just as well as I wasn’t feeling 100%.
Near Belmount House I was looking over a hedge for evidence of St Patrick’s Well. Tradition has it that Patrick was shipwrecked off of the Lancashire coast near Heysham. There’s a chapel and well dedicated to him there. As Patrick was on his way north to Cumbria, or perhaps even Birdoswald on Hadrian’s Wall, he stopped to drink at what became known as St Patrick’s well. It was on private land so I was unable to check it out but I did see a fox.
As the canal came into Hest Bank I saw the sea for the first time, somewhat grey and cold looking. Bob met me and we stopped for soup at the Royal Hotel in Bolton le Sands as it was a soup sort of day.
Feeling like a short afternoon would be best, and with spare miles in the bank anyway, I decided to stop at bridge 128 in Carnforth.
We popped into Carnforth for a brief visit to the station and heritage centre, and to sample the toasted tea cakes.
From Psalm 139
You see me, whether I am working or resting; you know everything I do.
Even before I speak, you already know what I will say.
You are all around me and your power protects me.
All Knowing One,
Your knowledge of me is humbling.
I am grateful for your protection
And the power that flows through me.
Today your care has kept me in step.
Now it is time to rest:
God grant me a quiet night and a peaceful end.
JAL 31.05.2019
Day 55 of the End to End from bridge 111 to bridge 128 on the Lancaster canal