Memory Map 3500 and the Lancaster Canal

An iPad mini has entered my life.

Buying the Memory Map 3500 gps with Great Britain OS 1:50000 maps complete gave me the right to download to three other devices, so GB OS complete is now on the the iPhone and the new iPad mini, including gps tracking and route transfers from the pc. 

The MM 3500 has been back once for replacement, and even now the screen is erratic whenever you touch it, and in your pocket it is so sensitive it jumps from screen to screen with an irritating electronic sound. Although scrolling has improved from the 2500 it is still clunky crying out for WD40. The iPs are hugely superior in scrolling, screen brightness and definition, and they also have an efficient place name finder taking you instantly to anywhere in the country. Comparing the now, almost certainly redundant, MM 3500 to the iPhone is like  comparing Captain Cook’s telescope with the Hubble.

Armed with all this tech it was back to the canal again yesterday with Pete. It was a bit of a mud fest, but as always there was interest and pleasing photo opportunities.

We returned by minor roads and squelchy field paths. At one point Pete had an epiphanic moment as it dawned on him we were arriving at the Bay Horse Inn where he has lunched frequently with Liz over the last couple of years - such can be the novelty of approaching somewhere on foot that you normally approach on wheels.

We omitted the loop from Potters Bar - 'twill be done next time

The River Conder flowing under the canal

Galgate Marina

A path for Jesus across the canal - another for the Signs collection

Glasson Canal meets the Lancaster Canal

Ellel Bridge -  unusually fancy on a private road leading to the big house on the next photo

Ellel Grange - HQ of a Christian based evangelical organisation. I reckon they must be well endowed - 

From their website: Purchased in 1986, Ellel Grange was the first Ellel Ministries centre to be established and it still remains the International Headquarters of the work. As well as holding Healing Retreats, Training Courses and Ellel's 9-Week Flagship Training Programme. 

Ellel Grange is an Italianate Villa, finished in 1859, in the same style as Queen Victoria's Osbourne House. It is surrounded by large grounds and pleasant wooded areas, with one of the finest collections of trees in the North of England. The Lancaster Canal runs through the estate with lovely walks along its towpath. 

Hay Carr - as far as I could ascertain still a private house, and was on the market in recent times for £4m.

Potters Brook - our furthest south

The Bay Horse Inn - a superior eating place often frequented by Pete and Liz