gang aft agley

sleipnerofasgard · #1 (**permalink**) 01-03-2009, 10:44 PM

As they say, decided to go to Marton Mere near Blackpool to see the long eared owls before they fly off to wheresoever the fancy takes them, as i don't drive, a train journey was called for. Everything started ok, caught the train into Preston then i got a little confused with the platforms and ended up on the train to Blackpool south instead of north, not a good idea as all my plans were set up for the other station including my directions and the train i was on was packed to the rafters with kids on their way to the pleasure beach

so as i had taken my bike with me i had to stand up all the way listening to some insane conversation between a gang of 13 year olds.
As they all disappeared one stop before me there was no time to rest

and without the proper directions, forgot to take the map, i inevitably got lost a couple of times and went across stanley park only to discover i was on the right side before i did

.
Anyway i did arrive, although i was hoping for some directions or at least a crowd to point me in the right direction, after a couple of hours of fruitless endeavour i finally happened upon a kind gentleman who walked me to the general vicinity and was soon joined by a couple of other hopefuls and a local birder who informed us that it looked like they had been disturbed as there was a fresh bootprint just over the fence towards where they roost, he also said that they usually return to the same spot eventually although probably not till the following morning, so at around 3 o clock i decide to call it a day and try to find the correct station for the journey home which was not any easier than the first part of the day.
Suffice to say a pretty miserable day that has left me naught but grief and pain for promised joy

Never mind, there's always next week

Frank

ron1863 · #2 (**permalink**) 01-03-2009, 10:46 PM

At least when you go back you will know where to go now Frank

sleipnerofasgard · #3 (**permalink**) 01-03-2009, 10:57 PM

The bloke on the platform at Preston cheered me up by telling me that Liverpool had lost

so always look on the brightside of life ( how many of you are singing the doo bee doo bit in your head now)

Frank

jaykay · #4 (**permalink**) 02-03-2009, 07:16 AM

must admit the way you talked us through your trip made me smile, however, I can sympathise with a fruitless journey, better luck next time

Pam_M · #5 (**permalink**) 02-03-2009, 10:57 AM

Rotten luck you had, Frank! Perhaps 'luck' isn't the right word to use though!

'Good luck' on your next trip to see the LEO's and hopefully no one has disturbed those wonderful birds! Mindless morons comes to mind!

Tobermorey · #6 (**permalink**) 02-03-2009, 03:15 PM

I think all birders have had the occasional day like that - I know I've had one or two.
Anyway, in the words of Jim Bowen, "lets look at what you could have won".

jaykay · #7 (**permalink**) 02-03-2009, 05:16 PM

now that's just cruel !!!!!

sleipnerofasgard · #8 (**permalink**) 02-03-2009, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tobermorey

I think all birders have had the occasional day like that - I know I've had one or two.
Anyway, in the words of Jim Bowen, "lets look at what you could have won".

I'm impressed you found some sunshine as it was raining when i got there, and to top it off someone reported seeing a firecrest in stanley park on saturday and sunday so an early revisit looks a certainty, check the weather for saturday

Frank

Tobermorey · #9 (**permalink**) 02-03-2009, 08:01 PM

Sorry Frank, this wasn't actually taken there. I had just been sorting through some old shots when I read your thread and couldn't stop myself from posting it.