Not so much a walk, more of a "Spot the Red Squirrel" stroll

Today, albeit "Brass Monkey" weather (the name given to the brass triangles that supported stacks of iron cannon-balls that, in cold weather contracted, causing the cannon-balls to fall off), we went for a very short Meander, 1.8 miles (2.9km), along Formby's glorious beach...

Patterns on wind swept beach

...with it's dramatic sand dunes...

...and through the sweeping coastal pinewoods...

You can see our approximate route at http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6781023

The woodlands at Formby are home to a population of red squirrels, 

...making it one of the few places in the UK where you can catch a glimpse of these shy creatures.
The sand dunes are covered with marram grass and home to a number of rare and protected species, the ever-shifting sand dunes are one of Formby's fantastic features. Today they shifting was not only observed, it was also felt as the strong winds sand-blasted us as we headed onto the beach.
We were lucky to see...

• gulls, 
• sanderlings, 
• crows, 
• magpies, 
• wood pidgeons, 

• red squirrels, 
• blackbirds, 
• robins, 



Can you see him?

• sparrows,

...and more.
An enjoyable walk in the sunshine, before heading off to The Railway for lunch.

You can see what we thought of our lunch in the Maghull Foodie Blog.

A little late -update

So much has happened over the last three days that we haven't had time to keep you all up to date. 

Having said that, Friday was a waiting day.

Waiting for confirmation that the sale of the house was complete.

We had a swim in the ocean in the morning and spent some quality time with our grandchildren. My hat looks better on Norah Jane than it does on me.

Eventually the news arrived - B&M the house is indeed yours!

"Action Stations" The over 60s moving team sprung into action.

By Friday night two loads of boxes etc. had been transferred.

Saturday was move, move, move. The same team loading and unloading as Ben spent a "comedy sketch" phone call - lasting 4 hours - attempting to sort his essential Internet connection. Both move and Internet were sorted. 

Sunday was La Jolla day!

Seals, cormorants, pelicans and much more; Starbucks coffee, and investigations of rock pools.

While this was going on, the cleaners were sorting out B&Ms old rental.

The afternoon was gardening time for Chris & I; pruning, clearing, picking etc. with help from Sadie Christine, lots of discoveries in the various plant beds.

After the three younger ladies had shared a bath it was time to visit Madeline's Mum, Dad and Grandma. Good food, drinks and company. Edith and I got on very well :-)

It's now 07:45 and Sadie and Chris have emerged so I'll stop...

...as she is calling "Grandad"

More to follow I'm sure.

Raven Meols Hills

http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1521082 will take you to a map of todays walk, the first in 2008.
Making the most of the fine 'Liverpool Bay Beach' and dune walking, our walk explored the National Trust Nature Reserve with its rare natterjack toad and red squirrel. Sad to say neither were on view today. The Red Squirrel have recently been hit hard by a 'squirrel pox' with lots of death among the colony.
Many waders, gulls and migrant birds feed along the shoreline here and both Chris and I have seen semi-fossilised hoofprints of the auroch, a huge, now extinct, beast that grazed the saltmarshes during Neolithic times, when they have been exposed in the inter-tidal sediments.
The reedy pond, a small wildlife area with ducks, coots and moorhens in abundance...

was crossed by a wooden bridge where we paused to take some pictures.

After passing Sandfield Farm we passed fields that sadly are no longer are used to grow the much praised 'Formby Asparagus'; what is the world coming to? Our path then took us through Nicotine Wood where, according to our guide, the path wanders agreeably. What does that mean? I think the author was trying too hard.
Upon returning to the car park we drove back for an ice cream and toilet stop at the entrance. Fat pigeons, magpies and crows were all that could be seen in this usually squirrel abundant area. I do hope the red squirrels recover from this outbreak of pox and that they return in great numbers.

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