Mersey Basin Campaign Blog

Latest from Sammy's luxury cruise...

Sunday was a nice restful day for me, as I travelled in luxury aboard the Mersey Ferries cruise ship from Carrington to Latchford Locks. I didn't even have to entertain myself on route, because I was in the excellent company of members of a local historical society, who regaled me with their memories of the Ship Canal and the Mersey. Those from Partington, Lymm and Sale talked about seeing ships pass by, and being warned as children about the pollution of the water, and the fact that it used to have oil on the surface which could set on fire. Everyone was pleased to see that that's not the case any more, and we enjoyed seeing the biodiversity of the area. Apparently, my fellow passengers spotted oyster catchers and herons, and one courteous heron actually took it upon himself to lead the ship along for most of its journey. I MIGHT have been cowering under a seat, sorry, I mean, busily blogging for you, my public, so I can't vouch for how many herons were circling!

I had a fantastic day in the sunshine, and even had the chance to pose with the lovely Sarah from Action Manchester Waterways. I'll post some pics in a moment........

What a great way to unwind, and gather my strength in time for my exertions on the next stage of my journey - ROWING?! That sounds like waaaaay too much hard work.........

It's World Environment Day!

Hooray!

Today is World Environment Day 2007 - what are you doing to celebrate? Sammy, our River Mersey Relayer is taking a hike, literally, walking with Environment Agency volunteers, ramblers and members of the public from Howley Weir, Warrington to Fiddlers Ferry. It's a beautiful day, so why not hit the riverbanks and see if you can spot Sammy? The walkers are setting off from the Weir Lane section of Victoria Park on Knutsford Road, Warrington at 10:30am today.

If you're stuck in the office, console yourself by checking out World Environment Day's Mend of the World website....

Exhausted by my 20-mile stint, I relax for a game of kick about and plan my next route!

Relieved to be off the bumpy bike and onto the calmer canoe. My only problem was that I didn’t forecast the rapids. Or the hungry geese for that matter!

I suss out the mission before me. Only 60 miles to go, no problem for the likes of me!

Jim leads the cyclists proudly into the park. Everyone is tired yet happy at the success of the first leg of the relay.

Embarking on my journey gliding past the start of the River Mersey – this fish doesn’t need a bicycle!

Hit in the face by a gnat? The latest from Sammy...

Hi there! It’s Sammy the salmon reporting in on events so far.

Saturday 2nd was a beautiful sunny day, a wonderful way to commence my journey to Liverpool! I started my 20-mile voyage balancing reluctantly on the handlebars of Jim Court’s bicycle, however he lead the ride safely and the only thing I had to worry about was potholes and getting hit in the face by the odd gnat.

Arriving in Sale Water Park an hour and a half later, I must admit I was quite relieved to be passed down to the canoeists where I felt closer to home, bobbing up and down on the now-salmon-thriving River Mersey. Racing down the rapids was a challenging, yet fun experience, despite the fear that at and second I may be thrown from the safety of my carrier’s canoe! An 8-mile slippery sail led me to the Carrington Recreation Ground.

The next day, Sunday 3^rd was a similarly bright day. A lot easier for me – my job was to sit on a ferry for the majority of the ride. Problems only occurred when I experienced a slight bout of seasickness, fish were obviously not born to be on boats - I believe next time I’ll try to stick to swimming!

Sammy x

Jim Court from Stockport Community Cyclists looks forward to the Relay

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Click on the play button above to hear Jim Court from Stockport Community Cyclists talking about taking part in the River Mersey Relay tomorrow........

Ready for the off!

Hi there,

My name's Sammy the Salmon, and I'm about to embark on an exciting adventure. Nope, I'm not swimming upstream to reproduce, and I'm not about to become gourmet cuisine - I'm the star of the River Mersey Relay 2007!

Check me out - aren't I a handsome specimen?

The relay starts tomorrow, Saturday 2nd June, from the beginning of the River Mersey at Ford Street, Stockport. Everyone who's anyone will be turning out to wish me 'bon voyage' as I set off on my epic journey - even the Deputy Mayor of Stockport will be there.

For the first part of my trip, I'll be letting Stockport Community Cyclists take the strain, as they carry me in style from Ford Street to Sale Water Park. I'm a bit nervous about tomorrow afternoon, though, because I'll be taking to the water with some canoeists who'll paddle from the Water Park to Carrington Recreation Ground. Swimming is all very well, but I've never been a huge fan of boats..........

Use the player above to hear Jim Court from Stockport Community Cyclists talking about the relay.

Tune in for the rest of the week, and I'll be letting you know how the journey's going, and how I'm coping with life on the road (chanelling Jack Kerouac, no doubt). John O'Groats to Lands End will have nothing on Ford Street, Stockport to Liverpool's Pier Head.

Have a look at my webpage to see exactly what I'll be up to.

Well, it beats Big Brother any day!

See you tomorrow - if I don't sink....

Sammy x