Red in tooth and claw

That's how Alfred Lord Tennyson described the harshness of nature and, sadly, we saw a little of it first hand yesterday. Here we are at Hall House Bridge in the Bedford area of Leigh.

We've been here since Friday as it's just a short walk to watch Logan playing rugby at Sutton Park where Leigh Miners Rangers are based (he won opposition coach Man of the Match so that's another superhero rugby shirt I'm buying as reward!) and it's actually quite a peaceful spot.

We were back on board yesterday afternoon when a woman came knocking and we ended up with this poor little passenger.

She'd been almost drowned by two males and was rescued by a couple out walking. Elaine set her on a cushion and covered her before ringing the RSPCA. Sadly though, the poor thing died before they got here, probably through a combination of shock and exhaustion.

Also dead is my smoker 😡. The strong winds have blown it over twice and the legs have collapsed 😡. So I'll be buying a new BBQ but I promise my smoking days are far from over!

When the wind eases tomorrow we'll about turn and start heading towards Wigan and, eventually, Burscough. More later.