Blackpool Trams

At the end of this week the Blackpool tram service shuts down for 6 months for a major overhaul of the infrastructure prior, I assume, to the expected delivery of new trams in 2012. The far end of the system, at Fleetwood, could be curtailed so that this might be the last week they connect with the ferry to Knott End (on the other side of the River Wyre). Here is a photo of single deck tram number 643 at the Ferry terminal ready to depart as the 13:39 service to Pleasure Beach. I rode up the sea front from Blackpool - very windy and half the beach seemed to have blown onto the otherwise superb cycle path. I found a chippie in Fleetwood selling mini fish and chips for 99p or £1 with mushy peas (ugh). This part of the world seems to still have fish and chip shops which are just that - no burgers, kebabs or pizzas. After that highlight of the day things went downhill rapidly. It started to rain as I was on the ferry and continued to do so for most of my journey to Lancaster so I got there wet and cold and was delayed for an hour on my homeward journey at Preston while a defective point was rectified.  Oh the joys of travel!